Gedenkstätte Buchenwald

In order to remember the cruelty of the second world war and the many casualties in the concentration camp of Buchenwald (Weimar, Germany) - among them lots of inhabitants of Leuven - the mayor of Leuven and his staff of the educational department decided to create a school trip in which secondary schools from Leuven can participate.

One of the main ideas is to bring boys and girls together from the three educational types: general (ASO), technical (TSO) and vocational education (BSO).

In this way last-year students of secondary school join more than just a history lesson. They witness themselves how history was written "and it kicks them in the teeth". In Buchenwald pupils are guided through the camp itself and a permanent picture exhibition in the camp's educational centre. Afterwards the youngsters are asked to reflect on their experiences by means of modern techniques like pictures, cameras, radio and video software etc.

At our school teacher Seppe Goossens now takes care of all the necessary contacts with the city administration and fellow-teachers of the other participating schools.

Since 2006 the Weimar/Buchenwald project is done by the pupils of 6H (last year of secondary education, study field "commerce"). Reports can be found on the pupils' blog.