This academic year, our school proudly initiated the eTwinning project titled “Echoes of the Holocaust – Exploring HerStories,” in collaboration with partner schools from Romania and Poland. The project's goal was to deepen students’ understanding of the Holocaust through the personal stories of three female survivors—one from each country—while fostering empathy, intercultural awareness, and active citizenship.
Throughout the project, students worked asynchronously in international teams to:
- Compose an acrostic poem using the word "SURVIVOR."
- Create a digital map of the survivors’ journeys.
- Design a timeline that captured key moments from their lives, using historical archives and testimonial materials.
These creative and collaborative activities allowed students to explore history through a human lens, utilizing English and digital tools to connect and express ideas meaningfully.
A Highlight: Connecting Projects Through a Meaningful Educational Trip
One of the most impactful experiences of the year was an educational field trip that connected three projects:
- “Echoes of the Holocaust – Exploring HerStories” (eTwinning)
- “Be a Tough European Cookie: Well-being and Mental Health at Our Schools” (eTwinning)
- “Planting and Knowing My Town” (national heritage education program)
The excursion included a visit to the historic Synagogue of Veroia, where students explored the local Jewish community’s history and heritage. The school’s history teacher provided an engaging on-site lecture, linking past and present while addressing students’ thoughtful questions. The trip continued to the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai, connecting themes of history, memory, and identity.
This trip was made possible thanks to the generous support of The Olga Lengyel Institute for Holocaust Studies and Human Rights (TOLI), whose grant helped cover most of the transportation costs. We are truly grateful to TOLI for enabling this enriching experience, which allowed students to connect their project work to real-world learning in powerful and memorable ways.
What truly defined “Echoes of the Holocaust – Exploring HerStories” was not only the knowledge gained but also the thoughtful discussions, curiosity, and emotional depth exhibited by our students. Their ability to connect with the stories, collaborate with peers from other countries, and reflect on difficult truths with empathy and maturity was deeply rewarding. As educators, witnessing these moments unfold reaffirms our commitment to meaningful, human-centered learning. We hope to build on this foundation in the coming school year, whether by continuing with the same theme or exploring new perspectives on history, identity, and remembrance.
