Young people from schools across the county came together at an event to battle prejudice.

The deputy lord lieutenant of Cumbria, Brian Scowcroft, officially opened the event at the Beggar’s Theatre, Millom.

The young people were showcasing work they have created with the support of the Anne Frank Trust, which aims to empower young people aged 9-15 to challenge prejudice, inspired by the life and work of Anne Frank.

The charity has so far worked with 11 primary and secondary schools.  

Lorraine Jones from the charity said: “Since being appointed as Cumbria’s first Anne Frank Worker earlier this year, I’ve had the privilege of working with around 800 local young people on a range of projects.

“These include delivering workshops on antisemitism; taking 60 pupils on a trip to the Lake District Holocaust Project and making films that explore different prejudices.”

Earlier this week, the charity arranged for Martin Stern MBE ­- who was sent to Westerbork concentration camp in the Netherlands when he was just five years old - to deliver talks to students at both Dowdales School and Ormsgill primary school as part of its launch activities. 

Mick Cull, headteacher at Ormsgill Primary school, said: “We feel so fortunate to be welcoming Martin into school to share his experiences with us.

“Although we are talking about an event from so long ago, we sadly still live in a world where hatred and prejudice take place.

“We know that education is the most powerful tool to tackle this.

“Our children have already heard about the impact of the Holocaust through sessions with Lorraine at the Anne Frank Trust, and hearing Martin's story first-hand will help them learn what they can do to be champions of peace and understanding, both today and in the future.” 

The launch event featured speeches and presentations from local young people on subjects including gender equality, racism and homophobia.

The ‘Anne Frank: A History for Today’ exhibition remains open to the public at The Beggar’s Theatre until Monday 12th December, after which it will transfer to six libraries across Cumbria in January including; Ambleside, Grange, Ulverston, Windermere, Kirkby and Sedbergh. 

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