Residents from across Croydon are invited to join a special event paying tribute to victims of the Holocaust and other genocides marking an international day of remembrance.
Children from across Croydon were invited to enter an essay competition based around the International Holocaust Memorial Day 2019 theme, Torn from Home, as part of the borough’s celebration.
The Rwandan genocide claimed the lives of an estimated 50,000 to 100,000 people during the end of the twentieth century. Another 2,000,000 people were displaced and became refugees during the crisis.
The winning entry, written by Emily Mary Taylor in Year 10 at Oasis Academy Coulsdon, and the runner up by Jake Dennis in Year 8 at Whitgift School, will be read at a special event at Croydon Town Hall on Monday 28 January.
The winners were chosen by the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education committee.
The event gets underway at 12pm with a candle –lighting ceremony in the Town Hall foyer where a book of remembrance will be opened.
The ceremony will then move to the Council Chamber where the winning entries will be read following an address by Chantal Uwamahoro, a survivor of the Rwandan genocide.
There will also be presentation from pupils at Oasis Academy Coulsdon and Riddlesdown Collegiate.
A string quartet from Whitgift School will perform and there will be a short film of memories of the Holocaust from a member of the Croydon Synagogue.
“The Holocaust and other genocides are such tragic but important parts of our history that must not be forgotten.
“We will always pay tribute to, and honour, the millions of innocent victims of these shocking atrocities and make sure that we learn from history so that these horrors can never be repeated.
“I hope as many people as possible will be able to join us on Monday.”
Councillor Hamida Ali, cabinet member for safer Croydon and communities
