Fifty four Year 9 students from Wingham High School have travelled to Port Macquarie to meet Holocaust survivors.
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Attending the 'Courage to Care' exhibition at the Glasshouse on Tuesday, the students and teachers were amazed at what they learnt.
Not only did they meet survivors, now in their 90s, but saw displays of memorabilia including original letters and personal belongings from the concentration camps.
"Although it is a sad subject, the messages were positive," said WHS history teacher Russell Page.
"They told us to stand up for others," said student Maika Hull.
"They told us to care."
Courage to Care is an outreach initiative that demonstrates the importance of standing up to bullying and prejudice whenever it occurs.
The educational program is supported by a travelling exhibition and social tolerance program.
Using role play that linked the past to 21st century scenarios helped the students relate to historical events.
Hearing the stories of Holocaust survivors was moving and inspiring.
"There was of course luck around," said Russell, "but the survivors showed fortitude and perseverance to survive."
For student Katelyn Roberts, the line that resonated most strongly for her was "courage is being afraid but doing it anyway."
The program highlighted the multicultural society Australians now live in.
We can of course be intolerant but the message was loud and clear:
"we've got to rise above this and never turn a blind eye.”