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On August 18–21, 2025, a group of Ukrainian educators participated in the international seminar “Auschwitz – History and Symbolism”, organized by “Tkuma” Institute together with the International Center for Auschwitz and Holocaust Education of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum (Oszczyń, Poland). The program was rich and combined theoretical lectures, practical workshops, presentations and excursions. Its task was not only to deepen knowledge of the history of the Holocaust and World War II, but also to show modern approaches to preserving memory and integrating this topic into the educational process.

The seminar began with a visit to the Jewish Center of Auschwitz and the Chevra Lomdei Mishnayot Synagogue, the only surviving synagogue in the city that was restored after World War II. An important part of the day was a tour of Auschwitz, which allowed for a better understanding of the pre-war life of the Jewish community and its tragedy during the Holocaust.

An important part of the program was extended tours of the former Nazi camps of Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. Ukrainian teachers saw the original barracks, places of imprisonment, the “Wall of Death”, the ruins of gas chambers and crematoria, as well as exhibitions of personal belongings of victims. Special emphasis was placed on preserving the authenticity of the space and its role in forming a culture of remembrance, as well as on the importance of documenting Nazi crimes.

Moreover, the guided tours, participants were treated to several practical sessions, including:

- “History Recorded in an Object” – work with authentic objects preserved from the Holocaust. The focus was on how to tell personal stories in the educational process through material evidence, to develop empathy and critical thinking in students.

-    “The Face of Auschwitz” – Analysis of Prisoner Photographs and Methods for Integrating Visual Sources into School Lessons.

- “The Function and Meaning of Art in Auschwitz” – a discussion of the role of works of art created in the camp as a form of resistance and preservation of human dignity.

-    “Preserve for the Future” presentation at the museum's restoration laboratory, where documents and artifacts from the Holocaust are stored.

-    “The Eleventh Commandment: Do Not Be Indifferent” – a discussion about modern manifestations of xenophobia, hate speech, and the need to educate students about civic responsibility.

Participants also had the opportunity to learn more about the educational programs of the International Center for Auschwitz and Holocaust Education, to get acquainted with methodological materials and modern approaches to teaching the topic of the Holocaust in Polish schools.

The seminar gave Ukrainian teachers the opportunity not only to deepen their historical knowledge, but also to obtain new methodological tools for teaching complex topics. The seminar participants shared their impressions:

Tetyana Fedoriv: “I had an incredible opportunity and the opportunity to participate in the seminar "Auschwitz - History and Symbolism". It is truly an extraordinary experience! It is one thing when you read about this camp in books and see something in films, and quite another when you manage to walk through this place on foot, along stone and dusty paths... I now perceive the books and memories I have read in a completely different way... Thank you for the invaluable experience of “Tkuma” Ukrainian Institute for Holocaust Studies.”

Maryna Mazur: “I had the opportunity to participate in a seminar for teachers organized by Tkuma and the International Educational Center for Auschwitz and the Holocaust. The personal belongings of the victims were especially impressive. This place makes you think about the value of life, the importance of tolerance, memory, and responsibility.”

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