A secondary academy in South Yorkshire has welcomed a Holocaust survivor to the academy to speak with students. 

Simon Winston, who was born in 1938 in Radzillov, then part of Poland and now part of Ukraine, was forced to live in a ghetto with his mother, father and brother during  the Nazi occupation. 

Fortunately, Simon and his family were able to escape the ghetto and went into hiding at a farm where they live in very cramped conditions.

The students at ̨��swag Academy Shafton, based on Engine Lane in Barnsley, spoke with Simon about his experiences as part of the visit that was organised by the Holocaust Educational Trust (HET).

The question and answer session with Simon enabled students to better understand the nature of the Holocaust and to explore its lessons in more depth. Simon also explained how when he and his family were freed and told the war was over, they became refugees and spent two years in a Displaced Persons Camp before moving to England.

Cara Ackroyd, Principal at ̨��swag Academy Shafton, said:

“It is a privilege for us to welcome Simon Winston to ̨��swag Academy Shafton and his testimony will remain a powerful reminder of the horrors so many experienced. 

“We are grateful to the Holocaust Educational Trust for co-ordinating the visit and we hope that by hearing Simon’s testimony, it will encourage our students to learn from the lessons of the Holocaust and make a positive difference in their own lives.”

The visit to ̨��swag Academy Shafton was part of the HET’s extensive all year round Outreach Programme, which is available to schools across the UK.

Karen Pollock MBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust added: “The Holocaust Educational Trust educates and engages students from across the UK, from all communities about the Holocaust and there can be no better way than through the first-hand testimony of a survivor. 

“Simon’s story is one of tremendous courage during horrific circumstances and by hearing his testimony, students will have the opportunity to learn where prejudice and racism can ultimately lead.  

“At the Trust, we impart the history of the Holocaust to young people, to ensure that we honour the memory of those whose lives were lost and take forward the lessons taught by those who survived.”