Cheshire College – South & West marked Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27th with powerful student-led ceremonies across the whole college, bringing together students and staff to remember the victims of the Holocaust and reflect on the importance of standing against prejudice and discrimination.
This year’s event was centred around the theme ‘For a better future’, aligning with the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. In a display of remembrance, 80 tealights were distributed to students at each campus, symbolising the anniversary and honouring the millions of lives lost.
Tyler Birch, Student Senate President for Crewe commented, “The light represents the hope for the future, showing there is no place for prejudice and discrimination amongst the Cheshire College community.”
Ellis Hindley, Student Senate President for Ellesmere Port, added, “Today we remember those who were silenced simply for being who they were. Holocaust Memorial Day stands as a reminder to honour their lives, challenge hatred, and defend the dignity of all communities.”
Students from diverse courses across the college played key roles in the event. At Chester, students gathered for a moment of reflection, receiving candles and presenting holocaust-themed displays. Ellesmere Port saw Uniformed Protective Services lead a ceremonial march, where they were joined by other students, followed by a minute’s silence. At Crewe, Performing Arts students Callum Faddes and Luca Pearson contributed with a poem and song.
The event provided an opportunity for students to engage with important global issues and demonstrate their own commitment to positive change.
Jim Chaplin, Student Senate President for the Chester campus, emphasised the importance of remembrance, adding, “It is important to remember history so that it is not repeated. The Student Senate stands with all of the communities affected.”
Joanne Stewart, Participation and Learning Resource Manager stated, “Our students’ participation in events like this highlights the importance of learning beyond the classroom. It helps shape a more inclusive and compassionate future, while reflecting the values of respect and empathy that define our college community.”
