Strategic Plan2017–2020

Contents

Introduction – Holocaust Education Trust Ireland

Strategic Plan 2017–2020Our vision, our mission, our values, our work

Our funders

Governance

Objectives

Objective 1Remembrance

Objective 2Working with educators

Objective 3Working in schools

Objective 4Governance and management

Scholarships & Resources

HETI STRATEGIC PLAN 2017–2020

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© Lynn Jackson, 2017Clifton House, Lower Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin D02 XT91, IrelandT: + 353 1 6690593 E: info@hetireland.org www.hetireland.org

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing.This material has been produced with support from the Teacher Education Section of the Department of Education and Skills, Ireland.

ORIGINAL ART: TISA VON DER SCHULENBURG

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IntroductionHolocaust Education Trust IrelandAfter the third successful Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration in January

2005, which 600 people attended, a small ad-hoc group came together to form a

Holocaust Educational Trust in order to educate about the Holocaust and raise

awareness. On 21 September 2005, Holocaust Education Trust Ireland (HETI) was

officially launched by President Mary McAleese in the Mansion House, Dublin. Since

then, HETI has developed comprehensive education and awareness programmes,

activities and materials, and through them has worked with thousands of people

across the island of Ireland and in ten other European countries.

In 2006, Ireland applied for membership of the International Holocaust

Remembrance Alliance (formerly the International Task Force for Cooperation on

Holocaust Education Remembrance and Research) and in 2011, HETI was pleased to

record that the Irish government had attained full membership of this organisation.

IHRA is an international, intergovernmental body dedicated to engendering political

and social leaders’ support for Holocaust education, remembrance and research.

Delegations are composed of both government and NGO representatives. As a full

member, Ireland is committed to these aims and objectives.

HETI Strategic Plan 2017–2020Our visionTo create awareness throughout Ireland about the Holocaust and its consequences.

Our missionSharing good practice in delivering Holocaust education, remembrance and awareness programmes

and ensuring that Ireland commemorates the Holocaust and educates about it by promoting

government policies that uphold the commitments of the Stockholm Declaration 2000, undertaking

to counter antisemitism, all forms of racism, Holocaust denial and distortion of the Holocaust.

Our ValuesAccurate, historically-informed information underpins all our work.

Inclusive approach in all that we do.

Respect for all people, human dignity and human rights.

Our workHETI spearheads work to advance our mission with government, schools, teachers, educators,

scholars, youth organisations and the public. Our programmes and educational materials are

structured to provide accurate and comprehensive information to raise awareness and knowledge

among all groups.

HETI STRATEGIC PLAN 2017–2020

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Our funders (2016)

HETI relies significantly on volunteers and receives donations and contributions from members of the

public. HETI receives funding from:

Department of Education and Skills (Teacher education; The Crocus Project; educational materials)

Department of Foreign Affairs(Supports two HETI representatives on the Irish delegation to the International Holocaust

Remembrance Alliance)

Department of Justice and Equality(Holocaust Memorial Day and memorialisation projects)

Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration(Special projects)

Claims Conference, New York

Europe for Citizens programme of the European Union(The Crocus Project Europe)

GovernanceHETI is overseen by its Board of Trustees. The Board has committed to achieving the standards set

out in the Governance Code for Voluntary and Community Organisations.

The Board is supported in its work by three sub committees – Finance, Succession Planning,

Governance – and by working groups on specific matters as required.

The Board sets the strategic direction, and the work of the organisation is managed by a small team

led by the Director and supported by Board members, partner organisations and volunteers.

HETI STRATEGIC PLAN 2017–2020

Objectives

Objective 1Remembering, commemorating, learning for the future To perpetuate the memory of the Holocaust and to reflect on its

consequences.

Objective 2 Our work with educatorsTo prepare trainee and qualified teachers, youth leaders, adult

educators and others to engage in learning and teaching about

the Holocaust; to provide and signpost the very best resources

for professional development and ongoing work; and to

encourage research and academic excellence.

Objective 3Our work with schools and young peopleTo ensure that young people understand the importance of the

Holocaust for Jewish people and for others in the context of

European history and to reflect on its relevance today.

Objective 4Governance, management and financial excellenceTo establish principles, policies, procedures and good practice

that support and sustain the organisation in its governance,

management and administration, reflecting our overall

commitment to excellence and professionalism.

3HETI STRATEGIC PLAN 2017–2020

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HETI – remembering, commemorating andeducating for the future

Objective 1 To perpetuate the memory of the Holocaust and to reflect on itsconsequences.

HETI STRATEGIC PLAN 2017–2020

Continue the annual eventand production of associatedcommemorative material.

Introduce furthermemorialisation projects.

c. 700 people attending;national news coverage;commemorative bookletsprinted and distributedthroughout the year tocomplement educationalprogrammes.

Holocaust Memorial Day – The national annualcommemoration event on the Sunday nearest to 27January. The ceremony cherishes the memory of allpeople who perished in the Holocaust and includessurvivors’ testimony, candle lighting, the memorialscroll, readings and music.

Memorialisation/Remembrance

Goals 2020Achieved by 2016ActivityProgramme

Maintain annual lectures andexhibition/presentationschedule.

Broaden the partnershipswith public spaces throughlocal authorities (civiccentres, libraries) and public-and private-sectororganisations.

4 public lectures and at least1 exhibition/presentationannually.

Events, exhibitions and lectures – Usuallymarking certain dates such as the NovemberPogrom (Kristallnacht), International HolocaustMemorial Day (January), Liberation of Bergen-Belsen concentration camp (April). HETI organiseslectures, exhibitions and cultural events to raisepublic awareness. Information booklets are usuallyproduced in English and Irish for each exhibition.

Outreach

Develop an establishedprogramme, supported bypolitical parties, publicadministration bodies,representative organisations,and a university/third-levelinstitution.

Reach 20 participantsannually by 2020.

Public leadership – A new programme aimed atpoliticians, policy makers, public servants inrelevant agencies, and journalists to develop theirunderstanding of the Holocaust and how it informsthinking in the 21st century.

Public LeadershipEducation for thefuture

5HETI STRATEGIC PLAN 2017–2020

10 graduates annually.Develop the programme toDiploma and later to Degreelevel.Expand geographical accessto the programme to widenparticipation.

46 people awarded theCertificate between 2010and 2016.

One-year part-time programme comprising fourmodules delivered in partnership with the HerzogCentre at Trinity College and awarded by theuniversity. Modules may also be takenindependently.

Certificate inHolocaustEducation

Goals 2020Achieved by 2016ActivityCOURSES

STUDY VISITS

Grow annual participation to25, to include teachers, youthleaders and others workingdirectly with young people.Also encourage participationby members of the DefenceForces and the Gardaí.

200 teachers from 183schools have participated.Teachers report reachingbetween 25 and 120students each per year.

Three-day intensive international summer school foreducators at Trinity College Dublin presented byinternational Holocaust scholars and educators,providing participants with the tools, materials andskills to teach this complex subject.

Teaching theHolocaust

15 participants annually.40 teachers haveparticipated in 4 study visits.

Four-day study visit to Berlin, exploring JewishBerlin, with a special emphasis on the Holocaust inthe country where National Socialism originated andthe city which became its centre. Participants visitauthentic Holocaust sites and work with scholars,educators and Holocaust survivors.

Study visit to Berlin(Easter holidays)

12 participants annually.56 people have participatedin 7 study visits.

Eight-day study visit to the Holocaust MemorialCentre in Jerusalem, Israel, coordinated by HETIwith the Yad Vashem International School forHolocaust Studies and availing of in-depth exposureto the many facets of the Holocaust. Working at theexceptional Holocaust Museum and ArchivesCentre, participants can avail of resources,expertise and personal testimonies.

The Seminar forIrish Teachers atYad Vashem,Jerusalem(summer holidays)

15 participants annually.162 teachers from 150schools have participated.

Four-day study visit to Krakow / Auschwitz-Birkenau, including what remains of JewishKrakow, the sites of Plazow concentration camp, themuseum at Schindler’s factory. Working withscholars and educators in Krakow, participants hearfrom Polish and Jewish Holocaust survivors andalso from a Polish Righteous survivor. Seminars andlectures are coordinated with Krakow University.

Learning from theHolocaust StudyVisit (during the

Halloween

half term)

Supporting and resourcing professionaldevelopment with teachers and educators, youthleaders, and people working with young adults

Objective 2 To prepare trainee and qualified teachers, youth leaders, adult educatorsand others to engage in learning and teaching about the Holocaust; toprovide and signpost the very best resources for professional developmentand ongoing work; and to encourage research and academic excellence.

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The number of schoolsparticipating and new studentsplanting crocus bulbs hasbeen increasing by around10% annually over 10 years.We hope to maintain this 10%year-on-year increase of thenumber of schools and newstudents participating.

We also hope to increase thenumber of participatingschools and new students inEurope by 10% year-on-yearin those countries alreadyparticipating , AND to increasethe number of countriesparticipating by one countryevery two years to reach 14countries in 2020.

In 2016, a total of 515schools in Irelandparticipated in the project. Atotal of 19,315 new studentswere introduced to TheCrocus Project in 2016, eachpanting one crocus bulb.

The Crocus Project continuesin 9 European countries withover 900 schools participating.Approximately 74,000 newstudents planted crocusbulbs in 2016.

HETI presents schools across the island of Irelandwith yellow crocus bulbs for the students to plant inAutumn in memory of 1.5 million Jewish childrenwho died in the Holocaust as well as thousands ofother children who were victims of Nazi atrocities.HETI provides crocus bulbs, information packs andteachers’ handbooks to all participating schools inIreland.

HETI coordinates the involvement of schools in 10European countries with an information pack andteacher’s handbook translated into 10 languages.

The Crocus Project– Ireland

The Crocus Project – Europe

12 trained educatorsdelivering the presentation inschools across Ireland.

Following a successful pilotin 2014, this becamemainstream in 2015.

By the end of 2016 fiveeducators were trained todeliver the programme.

An interactive 90-minute presentation for senior studentsgiving an overview of the development of the Holocaustbefore, during and after World War II. The presentationinforms students about the Holocaust and preparesthem for their examinations and research reports. It isa useful preparation for study visits to Holocaust sitesand encounters with Holocaust survivors.

The HolocaustNarrative

Goals 2020Achieved by 2016ActivityProgrammes

Established programmeinvolving a panel of four peoplecontinuing to work with schoolsand youth groups annuallythroughout Ireland.

Preliminary design work.Development of a new programme to involvechildren, grandchildren and other family membersof Holocaust survivors (called Second and ThirdGeneration).

Second GenerationSpeakers

10–12 training sessionsthroughout Ireland.

12 workshops per year.

An interactive online teaching and learning tool forteachers and students. This programme addressesissues around racism and prejudice in order to fosteracceptance and respect for all people. It involves thetestimony of 15 young people of diverse religious,cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and sexualorientations responding to situations suggesting howwe might develop a more inclusive society.

Introduction of theatre workshops for young peoplewho will learn about the Holocaust through drama andsubsequent interactive work.

New programmes:1. Stories that Move

2.Youth TheatreIreland

Our direct work with schools and young peopleProgrammes & Resources for schools

Objective 3 To ensure that young people understand the importance of the Holocaustfor Jewish people and for others in the context of European history and toreflect on its relevance today.

7HETI STRATEGIC PLAN 2017–2020

Compliance with theGovernance Code achievedby Q2 2018.

Annual review by Board fromQ3 2019.

Commitment to achievingcompliance with theGovernance Code andschedule of work agreed.

A Board-led and systematic review of all aspects ofgovernance to ensure that HETI complies with theGovernance Code and maintains a commitment tobest practice and transparency in all areas.The Board leads on this work, which is spearheadedby the Finance Sub-Committee.

Achievingcompliance withthe GovernanceCode and allcompliancerequirements

Full-time Director/CEOleading the work of HETI.

Annual reviews by Board.

Voluntary Director in placesince foundation.

Reporting to the Board, the Director/CEO ensuresthat the policies and practices of HETI areappropriate and compliant and ensures the deliveryof the work effectively and fully in line with itsmission and objectives.

Managing the work of the Trust

Goals 2020Achieved by 2016ActivityTask

A strong policy on, andmechanism for, addressingissues in and with the media.

Good systems ofcommunication in place withkey participants, funders, themedia and supporters.

Developing effective internal and externalcommunication systems to bring the work,expertise and learning of the Trust to a wide rangeof stakeholders.

Effectivecommunication toadvance the goalsand work of theTrust

Established andcomprehensive policies,protocols and proceduresgoverning all aspects offinancial oversight andmanagement in place andunder regular internal reviewand annual audit process.

Implementation of a longer-term financial sustainabilityplan in line with the StrategicPlan.

Finance Sub-Committee inplace.

Ongoing.

Ensuring that the financial responsibilities of HETIare managed to the highest standards.

Developing and implementing plans for financialsustainability of the Trust, in order to deliver itsmission and objectives.

Financial oversightand planning

HETI – governance, management and financialexcellence

Objective 4 To establish principles, policies, procedures and good practice thatsupport and sustain the organisation in its governance, management andadministration, reflecting our overall commitment to excellence andprofessionalism.

8 HETI STRATEGIC PLAN 2017–2020

To provide 4 scholarships peryear.

3 scholarships have beenawarded.

Scholarships have been established in the names ofTomi Reichental (Holocaust survivor) and AlbertSutton (WW II veteran present at liberation of Nazicamps), to assist teachers and members of the IrishDefence Forces or Gardaí who would like toundertake the Certificate in Holocaust Education orassociated programmes but cannot do so due tofinancial constraints. Prospective candidates canapply to HETI outlining why they believe they areworthy of being awarded a scholarship. HETI invitesdonors to contribute to the scholarship fund.

SCHOLARSHIPFUND

Goals 2020Achieved by 2016Activity

1,000 copies of newlyupdated pack printed.Possible distribution to otherEnglish-speaking countries.

2,000 sets were printed in2009 and are in use in Irishclassrooms.

The wall chart and teacher’shandbook have been revisedand updated.

A classroom resource for post-primary level thatcomprises a wall chart giving a visual, linear view ofthe Holocaust in Europe (1933–1945). It isaccompanied by a teacher’s handbook providinginformation, suggested lessons, individual orclassroom activities, special topics and personalmemoirs. This resource encourages students toreflect on the Holocaust and its consequences. Itprovides information, develops skills and promptsstudents to consider attitudes.

RESOURCEMATERIAL

Holocaust Timeline Wall Chart andTeacher’sHandbook

100 packs printed anddistributed to teachersthrough extension of theaccredited training. Possibledistribution to other English-speaking countries.

Piloted in 35 schools. Refinedand updated according tofeedback.

A comprehensive teaching pack developed by HETIfor those who complete the Certificate in HolocaustEducation. It comprises 12 double-period lessons,individually designed with lesson plans, resources,quotations, handouts and video clips.

Holocaust Studiesfor Senior Students

Available to schools, youthand other organisations inIreland on request. Possibledistribution to other English-speaking countries.

700 copies distributedbetween 2011 and 2016.

Comprehensive teacher’s handbook to complementTomi Reichental’s film Till The Tenth Generation,which contains a DVD of the film, information,lesson plans, and a CD of materials.

“Till The TenthGeneration”

A comprehensive, validatedand up-to-date portal toHolocaust research andpublications with links toeducational and researchresources. Will includearchival material pertinent toIreland with links to the widerbody of material.

Gathering of information andresources commenced.

Holocaust research and publications portal –Development of a new portal for validated researchand relevant publications of interest and value toeducators, students, researchers and policy makers.

Online Portal

Scholarships & Resources

© Lynn Jackson, 2017Clifton House, Lower Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin D02 XT91, IrelandT: + 353 1 6690593 E: info@hetireland.org www.hetireland.org

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing.This material has been produced with support from the Teacher Education Section of the Department of Education and Skills, Ireland.

ORIGINAL ART: TISA VON DER SCHULENBURG

Teacher Education

The Crocus Project

Certificate in Holocaust Education

The Holocaust Narrative

Study Visits

Exhibitions

Survivors’ Testimony

Holocaust Commemoration