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50 - 950 West 41st Ave, P: 604.264.0499 |
 outreach speakers |
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Outreach speakers are survivors of the Holocaust who address close to 15,000 students annually, mostly at schools in the Lower Mainland or as part of various VHEC programs, including the Annual High School Symposium. Some speakers travel to other communities in British Columbia, Canada and internationally. Outreach speakers share their memories of the Holocaust, including experiences of discrimination, segregation, separation from and loss of family, as well as life in hiding, the ghettos, concentration camps, liberation and immigration to Canada. Although many survivors are well informed about some aspects of the Holocaust outside of their own experiences, few are expert historians. Their presentations are offered as personal, eyewitness accounts. They promote anti-racism and challenge youth to become committed and responsible global citizens, alert to bullying, discrimination, racism and genocide in today’s world. Download an orientation package Télécharger les textes d'orientation Holocaust Survivors Someone who was displaced, persecuted, and/or discriminated against by the racial, religious, ethnic and political policies of the Nazis and their allies. Survivors may be former inmates of ghettos or concentration camps, persons in hiding or refugees who fled persecution. Second Generation Speakers The Outreach Program also includes a small group of second generation speakers, who are adult children of survivors, committed to keeping their parents' stories alive for future generations. Second generation speakers use their received knowledge, along with family artefacts and, where available, their parents' video testimonies, to teach about the lasting impact of the Holocaust. Other Resources Resources may be borrowed from the VHEC or can be found in the "For Teachers" section of the VHEC website, including the teaching website Open Hearts - Closed Doors: The War Orphans Project, which can also be found here: View Online Exhibit in English Contacting Speakers Cards and letters can be addressed to speaker, c/o the VHEC. Survivors and second generation speakers appreciate hearing from students, parents, teachers and others but are generally not able to respond personally to the many letters they receive. Students wishing to interview a survivor as part of a school project are asked to join a scheduled presentation at the VHEC, view a video testimony, or ask their teacher to arrange for an outreach speaker. Increasing requests for outreach speakers make individual requests difficult to accommodate. How to Book an Outreach Speaker Speakers volunteer their services and the Outreach Program is offered without charge to schools and organizations. However, donations to the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre made in honour of speakers are gratefully appreciated, and support the Centre's educational programs. Some out-of-town travel expenses may apply. The Outreach Coordinator will assist you in selecting a speaker appropriate to the interests and age levels of your audience. Special topics such as: children in hiding, concentration camps or immigration experiences, may be requested. Presentations are generally 40 minutes long, followed by a 20-minute discussion period. Teacher and student feedback are welcomed and are helpful in assessing the Outreach Program. To arrange for a speaker please contact the VHEC at 604.264.0499 or info@vhec.org |
