Educational Project "Stories of the Riga Ghetto for Children"

About the Educational Project "Stories of the Riga Ghetto for Children"

The Holocaust is one of the most painful lessons that the 20th century gave to the world. However, to protect our children and grandchildren from the bloody mistakes of the past, we must share this experience with them as well. But questions arise: how to tell about such a complex and delicate topic so as not to frighten and traumatize children, yet find empathy in them? Give knowledge, but not get lost in numbers? What should the narrative be like for children of different age groups according to their concentration abilities, knowledge, and psychological stability? How should this topic be told to children with special needs? The Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum, which opened its doors to visitors more than 5 years ago, during which time visitors were often younger guests. Summarizing our experience, consulting with educators and psychologists, we have developed a series of specially adapted excursions for children of different age groups, which correspond to their current physical, psycho-emotional and cognitive abilities.

Educational Program

For elementary school students will be offered to tell about their daily routine, learn how children lived in the Riga Ghetto, watch fragments from the art problems: "Life is Wonderful"/"Boy in Striped Pajamas", discuss the topic – "what is freedom", participate in the art studio "Perspektivart" master class. Students will be offered to interview representatives of the older generation of the family.

For primary school students will be offered an introductory story about the Holocaust in Latvia, a story about people who saved Jews, and those who collaborated with the Nazis, a discussion on the topic "What is personal choice and its role in promoting a tolerant and just society", reading Anne Frank's or Maria Rolnikaitė's diary by roles and a creative master class, in cooperation with the art studio Perspektivart teachers.

For high school students will be offered to discuss the origins of Nazism: ideological, political and social factors that influenced its spread, collaborationism, applying these criteria, evaluate modern European society. Discussion on the topic "Why can studying history stop future catastrophes?", a story about the Latvian Jewish community and its brightest representatives. Students will be offered to become history researchers themselves.

More information about the project:

Tel.: 67791784

E-mail: project@shamir.lv