HMD 2012 Special Educational Needs - The Pledge
The Speak Up, Speak Out pledge is the cornerstone of Holocaust Memorial Day 2012. In enabling your students to take this pledge you are supporting them in creating a safer, better future for all.
Pupils can be allowed to understand each section of the pledge at a level which is appropriate to them. We all know that actions speak louder than words, it may well be that pupils undertaking actions (who cannot verbally make the pledge) are actually doing something more profound than people speaking the words without thought. In this lesson the sections of the pledge have been made into tasks for your pupils to carry out. In doing these things they are making their pledge and the photographs you can take of them doing it, can be their signature to the pledge.
Making this pledge, or taking part in this pledge, is contributing to making us better people and the lives of others better. We make our society better one person at a time. Small actions like learning to share, or learning to speak out, are important components of a safer, better future for everyone.
We make this pledge and carry out these actions, because we do not want the bad things of the Holocaust ever to happen again, and we will use our learning about those sad times to ensure that the future is different. We can be an example to others, a light in the darkness.
We hope you get the chance to share your student’s work with their community so that they can shine as an example to others.
‘I swore never to be silent whenever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.’
Elie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor
You may choose to cue students into this lesson by lighting a candle.
Please download the full lesson plan below.
- Special Educational Needs - The Pledge (PDF: 94559 KB)