Events across Caerphilly County Borough have taken place to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.
At Blackwood Miners’ Institute, an anthology of poetry written by youngsters was given its official launch, coinciding with the start of an exhibition remembering the Holocaust.
The book of poetry was produced by the Caerphilly Young People’s Writers Squad – a creative group set up via Literature Wales. Member Oliver Hard came up with the idea for the anthology after writing a collection of poems about refugees.
Working alongside poet Rufus Mufasa, the group of youngsters wrote a collection of both English and Welsh poetry, which has now been published by Burst Publishing. The book is on sale for £2 and will raise funds for charity Save the Children.
Kate Verity, Arts Development Officer with Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “The Writers Squad has created some fantastic work and has taken the lead on this project every step of the way.
“Oliver approached me with the idea and we ran with it. We have some very talented young writers in the county and the Young Writers Squad provides a creative outlet for the members who always produce outstanding work.”
Pupils from Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni and Lewis School Pengam worked with Blackwood author Patrick Jones to produce some poignant work for the exhibition at Blackwood Miners’ Institute set around the theme How Can Life Go On.
Following the lighting of the commemorative candle, guests of the ceremony were invited to view pupils’ work.
Cllr Keith Reynolds, Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “It is always an honour to be a part of Holocaust Memorial Day as it is vitally important that we continue to remember those who have lost their lives and suffered as a result of genocide.
“The schools we work with every year embrace the event and create some truly moving pieces to display.”
Holocaust Memorial Day marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in Poland.
In addition to Blackwood Miners’ Institute, displays and poetry readings also took place in Risca, Rhymney, Blackwood and Abertridwr libraries.
To coincide with Holocaust Memorial Day, Newbridge Memo is hosting an intimate evening with Bergen-Belsen survivor and author, Peter Lantos, to talk about his experiences as documented in his 2006 book Parallel Lines.
The talk is due to take place at 7pm on Friday February 3.
Chief Executive of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, Olivia Marks-Woldman, said: “On Holocaust Memorial Day we honour the survivors of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides and challenge ourselves to learn important lessons from their experiences in order to create a safer, better future.
“This year we have an unprecedented number of activities taking place involving people of all ages and from all walks of life, challenging us all to think about what happens after genocide and of our own responsibilities in the wake of such a crime.”
Islwyn MP, Chris Evans, said: “It is as important now as it has ever been to remember and learn lessons from the Holocaust and other genocides. Millions of communities through history have been murdered simply for being of a certain race, creed, religion, sexual orientation, political view or identity.
“Their suffering cannot be in vain. That is why it is so important to learn the roots of genocide. It is clear that these are division, prejudice and intolerance between communities.
“We must work hard every day to remain open minded, understanding and generous towards people who are different from ourselves. Not only will we have a better, more cohesive society, but one which will remember the lessons of the holocaust.”
• To buy a copy of the poetry anthology, or for further information on the Young People’ Writers Squad, contact Kate Verity on 01495 224425 or email veritk@caerphilly.gov.uk.