Steven Spielberg’s Shoah foundation links up with UK schools to fight hatred

Steven Spielberg’s USC Shoah Foundation has linked up with secondary schools in the UK to help children tackle hatred and build empathy through storytelling.

The California-based foundation, which has been world-leading in its use of technology in Holocaust education, is taking part in the ‘Stronger than Hate’ challenge, together with digital curriculum provider Discovery Education.

Students aged 13-18 are asked to submit a project showing why united communities are stronger. This can take the form of a video, poem, song, blog, or piece of art. First prize is £5,000, with iPads also on offer.

The Foundation collects audio and visual testimonies from survivors and witnesses of genocides, and pupils taking part in the challenge can listen to these stories then produce a piece of work which reflects the power of testimony to tackle hate.

The £5,000 will go to the winning school to help teachers implement positive change, while £1,000 and £500 grants will be similarly presented to the second and third place schools. iPads are also on offer for up to four pupils on the winning team.

The foundation’s Lesly Culp said: “We are helping inspire new ideas and spark student imagination to foster a more just and equitable society.”

• Schools wishing to enter can visit teachingwithtestimony.com/challenge-uk