Three months on from the start of the 100 in 100 apprenticeship campaign and Exeter College, along with the partnership of local providers, National Apprenticeship Service and the Express and Echo as media partner, are taking stock of the success of this unique initiative. Success is not just for the partnership, but for the local employers who, despite the current economic climate, and in some cases because of it, have pledged to support and train the young workforce.

Richard Atkins, Exeter College Principal, in reviewing the campaign outcomes said, “I’m delighted that the campaign has proved such a success. As a partnership the campaign has appealed to a wide range of industry and business sectors across across Devon, Exeter and Torbay encouraging over 150 employers to see the value of apprenticeships to their particular business. Over 50 of these employers have pledged to work with the college to provide the industry training to help the next generation of technical professionals.”

With over eighteen apprenticeship frameworks on offer the college supports employers in a whole range of sectors, from hospitality and catering, engineering, construction, hairdressing to IT. Employers from across the region range from SHB 4×4 car hire to East Devon IT web and telecom specialists; from The Beer Engine to The Salty Monk pub and restaurants; from Teignmouth Community College to E.J.W Glendinnings aggregate suppliers – all making the pledge to support the campaign and seeing the value of taking on an apprentice.

“It’s great to see the profile of apprenticeships being raised through the 100 in 100 campaign and we are proud to be involved” said Mark Passmore, Passmore Carpenters, who is keen to increase his small business capacity.
Jane Boulton from Axminster Power Tools was one of the first to sign up to the campaigns saying “The scheme brings huge benefits not only to the business in helping it to avoid future skill gaps but also to young people seeking rewarding careers with progression pathways – a ‘win win’ situation for all those involved”

The success of apprenticeships is clear in the results it brings for both employers and learners. And the success is not just seen in business outcomes. Exeter College prides itself on local and regional accolades – another way of ensuring its training is tested against the best – and has recently been delighted that one of its own employer partners and one of its apprentices have won national acclaim.

Bishopsteignton Primary School, who works with the College training their teaching assistant apprentices, was recently highly commended at the Regional Finals of the National Apprenticeship Awards. The school have trained three apprentices over the last five years and currently have two trainees working for them. The head teacher, Louise Prywata, has effectively used the apprenticeship scheme to train the next generation of teaching assistants and clearly endorses the results that the apprenticeship scheme can bring:

“Young, enthusiastic and hard working apprentices can offer so much to a business. If apprentices are inspired and keen to make a difference, then we should be giving them the opportunity to do so. You can hire attitude and then train skill. Employing a young inexperienced person can place unplanned demands on an employer, but they are overshadowed by the rewards they can deliver.”

Young people also clearly benefit in that they are able to develop their skills directly on the job from fully skilled professionals.
Tony Litchfield, one of the College’s vehicle refinishing apprentices, has seen his own apprentice success win national and hopefully international fame having recently made it to the World Skills Final in London following his success in the regional heat. Going on to represent the UK competing against other students from all over the world, this success is a testament to his hard work and the support of his employer Kynaston Autobodies.

Tony, said “I have learnt a lot from people at the garage who have been doing this for a while and Exeter College, where my tutor Nathan Weston has a background in the trade.”

As the successful campaign closes the college has clear evidence of the benefits of apprenticeships. Training a young person in the workplace from the age of sixteen helps to build their confidence and boost their motivation and at the end of two or three years there is a real opportunity for them to develop a successful career in their chosen vocation. The support of employers is crucial to this success.

“The 100 in 100 campaign has offered a perfect springboard to raise the profile of apprenticeships in Exeter and the region,” said Paul Champion head of business solutions at the College “and is a testament to what can be achieved. As ever though, we still need more employers to take on young people as at the College alone we have over 200 eager young people who want to be an apprentice but can’t find an employer.” His message is clear. “If you are keen to train the next generation and would benefit from an extra pair of hands then give us a call now”!

Picture courtesy of William Sykes of Sykes Imaging
Caption left to right
Iain Hatt, Assistant Principal Exeter College; Louise Prywata, head teacher Bishopsteignton Primary School; Katherine Coates and Susan Bright, Exeter College; Simon Waugh, National Apprenticeship Service

PRESS RELEASE

An Exeter team of students are celebrating having shown the Royal Navy and Marines, for the second year running, that they are the best in the west for fitness, team skills and leadership when they won the Royal Navy Annual Pier Cellars Inter-College Trophy Competition last week.

Not only did the teams of BTEC students beat fellow competitors from 8 other colleges, but one of the Exeter teams completed the 10K run/walk in one of the fastest times ever recorded in the history of the competition in 2 hours and 2 minutes – earning respect from the Royal Marines who organised the gruelling two day competition.

“The students were outstanding” said Andy Roberts, Public Services lecturer, “Not only did the Exeter teams come 1st, 2nd and 4th but we also gained considerable praise from the Navy and Marines about how the students behaved throughout the challenging course, giving 100% effort to what was a very wet and extremely difficult assault course”

The Pier Cellars competition, held in Cornwall at a small ex torpedo testing naval station, aims to simulate many of the activities in real life public services – minefield clearance, dummy grenade throwing, ski stretchers, tug of war, observation tests as well as the challenging assault course.

Our public services course is continually strengthened by the very strong links we have with all the armed and uniformed services, “said Rob Bosworth, Assistant Principal, “Over the years we have built up a very high standard of training – both fitness training and the leadership and team skills that equip our young students for their competitive careers. We’re delighted that, yet again, the tutors’ effort and training has paid off and we’re very proud of the sheer effort and commitment our students gave in showing they are truly ‘top of the class’

For further information, call Sylvia Jarman on 01392 205585 or sylviajarman@exe-coll.ac.uk

Music ranging from classical, rock and pop, jazz and modern rang out in the centre of the city as Exeter College officially opened its new Centre for Music and Performance in Queen Street last night.

The building at 26 Queen Street, was built originally in 1840 as the Exeter Dispensary, but has now been refurbished to provide up to the minute bespoke musical performance spaces and recording and production suites for the ever expanding Music and Performance teams. Matt and Caroline, the Heart Radio Breakfast presenters, were guests of honour at the inspiring event seeing for themselves how modern, classical and jazz musical genres and techniques are proving popular with the young people of Devon.

“Music forms a vital part of our life” said Caroline, Heart presenter “it bookmarks huge events in our memory, it allows us freedom of expression – a luxury that not every culture in the world has.” Fellow guest of honour, Matt, continued “Heart is keen to be involved with Exeter College through our sponsorship of the media student awards and we’ve met some of the future stars of the industry here tonight.”

Whilst it has been open for teaching since the beginning of the year, the event last night officially marked the Centre for Music and Performance as another addition to the College’s investment in student facilities and showcased the exceptional talent of the Music Academy students to guests from all over the city and County of Devon.

“This building has already proved to be a great success in the few months we have been here,” said Laura Wright head of music “It’s proved vital to our music students with regular performances, A level recitals, rehearsals and as the host venue for our Music Academy visitors and events.”

And it’s not just musical performances that have benefited from the new facilities since the refurbishment included investment in dedicated MAC suites and music production and recording studios reflecting the important revolution in digital and online media.

In welcoming guests to the Centre, Principal Richard Atkins said “Music has been part of the College for so long and we’re lucky we have such a rich and diverse offering. It’s such an enlightening and important part of our curriculum and with our talented staff we are welcoming more students from across the county who can now take full advantage of these dedicated facilities. Whether it’s to support music technology, popular, jazz, classical, ensembles or instrumental music I am really pleased we’ve been able to invest in this specialist facility.”

City music teachers, county music specialists, music suppliers and community partners were able to see and hear for themselves how the Centre provides the industry-standard experiences for a range of full time and part time students as they prepare for their careers in the competitive but expanding industry. After a spectacular performance by the college’s Big Band, visitors toured the new Centre dropping into workshops and performances by individual and groups of music students.

Lyn Bourne, Deputy Headteacher, St Peter’s Church of England School, was one of many visitors who were impressed with the facilities “This has been an excellent evening, there are wonderful facilities here which are perfect for music performances. I’m really proud to see our past students performing so well”

Ken Parr of Devon Music Services was also impressed with the new centre saying “There have been some dazzling performances from the students. There is such a good connection between the students and staff and we’re keen to continue the strong relationship with Devon Music Services”

Music students continue to take part in performances at the new Centre and expanding their repertoire to other music venues across the city including the Final Music Performance being staged at the Phoenix on Thursday 16th June.

Students at Exeter College have seen at first-hand the effect of sun damage on their skin, as part of NHS Devon’s new skin cancer prevention strategy for 2011-2014.

NHS Devon has teamed up with the college to train 30 beauty students to use an ultra violet (UV) facial scanner that reveals signs of overexposure to UV rays from the sun or sunbeds.

The scanner clearly shows brown spots, freckles and redness, which can occur as a result of UV exposure even from an early age.

Overexposure to UV rays can lead to premature ageing, including wrinkles and coarse, leathery skin, or worse, skin cancer.

Steve Brown, NHS Devon’s assistant director of public health, said:

“We know that many teenagers think it’s worth burning to get a tan, so we have made them a priority target group.

“Devon has the fourth highest incidence rates of malignant melanoma in the country, due partly to its high number of sunshine hours, an older population than the national average and a high percentage of the population of white ethnicity (people with fair skin are at higher risk of the disease)

“However, skin cancer can be prevented, if simple sun safety messages are followed.

“The top rule is to never burn. Burning can be avoided by seeking shade between 11am and 3pm, covering up with sunglasses and clothing, and using at least SPF 15 broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least a 4* rating, applied regularly and liberally.”

“Our team of trained student beauty therapists are running lunchtime roadshows across the College” said Nick Bridge health and well-being manager at Exeter College. “It’s really important that we increase students’ knowledge of using sun protection and our ‘Love your Skin’ sessions have a really important message about staying safe. With a heatwave predicted in the next few weeks, the work with the NHS Team couldn’t have come at a better time.”

The new strategy is a multi-agency partnership which also involves local authorities, environmental health, schools, colleges, acute hospital trusts, GPs and pharmacies.

As well as teenagers, the strategy is also targeting over 50s, with the message to ‘check your skin regularly and see your GP if you notice any unusual changes’. Skin cancer can usually be treated easily if it is caught at an early stage, but can be deadly if left too long.

For more information or interviews contact Paul Hopkins on 01392 267 647 / 0797 133 0491 or Sylvia Jarman at Exeter College on 07800 745855

PIMMS AND GENTLE choral music set the mood for a relaxed evening for 200 special guests at Exeter College’s Centre for Creative Industries (CCI) this month, where they were invited to view an exhibition to launch a series of art, design and performing arts shows set to take place on campus and across the city this summer.

For a change, however, it was the turn of staff rather than students’ work to be the centre of attention, with around 30 lecturers displaying examples of their work in a range of media, from fine art to digital photography, ceramics and metalwork.

Among those viewing the lecturers’ submissions at the Summer Shows 2011 event – the first of its kind to take place at Exeter College – were the Lord Mayor, Principal Richard Atkins, local design and art centres and agencies plus representatives of the Phoenix and the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth.

Subjects covered were hugely diverse, each piece with its own story to tell about both the way in which it was approached and the history of the artist behind it.

Speaking on the night, Matt Burrowes, Curator and Gallery Manager for the Phoenix, said: “The exhibition is great. It’s brave of staff baring their souls to their own students and it’s also a great success that they’ve set this exhibition inside this building. There’s a real variety and high quality to the work displayed.”

Marcel Choules, Lord Mayor, added: “My first impressions are that I am intrigued since I remember when this area used to be a railway yard. Looking at this exhibition, I am really impressed by the standard of work, and the images of Exeter within some of the work bring back memories. It is right that this hidden entity of staff work is shown in this way.”

Delighted with the reactions on the night, Exeter College’s Head of Art and Design Richard Holt continued: “We are celebrating 150 years of education in the city of Exeter this year and this exhibition is also a milestone in art and design education launching our higher education offer to the area as well as showcasing our staff’s work.

“We can see from the standard and range of work that there is a very bright future for art and design and the exhibition shows how our individual staff are inspiring individuals across the city and the heart of Devon.

“I’m very proud of the staff and the work that is displayed – it shows our staff in all their individual glory and the connectivity between them which has resulted in this great exhibition.

“We have 2,500 students studying art and design at the College. This exhibition allows us to show them more how, through our own staff expertise, we can ensure that they succeed. Whilst the papers are showing that 'Exeter is on the up’, I am also absolutely sure that this exhibition shows that 'the creative industries are on the up'.”

For further information, call Shirley Wheeler on 01392 205301 or shirleywheeler@exe-coll.ac.uk

Editor’s Notes

Here is what a few other guests had to say about the night:

Mike Krage of Krage Design company: “I'm very impressed with the standard of the work and also impressed that it shows the College in the local light but the range of artwork and subjects also shows a wider world focus for example with photography of New Zealand.”

Nigel Watts, Deputy Head of Art and Design: “My first impressions of the response to the exhibition is that there is a real buzz at the event from our staff and all the visitors. We are enthusiastic about art and design every day at College but we don't get the opportunity to share our individual passions for the arts. This exhibition has allowed each member of staff to showcase their own identity.”

John Laramy, Deputy Principal, Exeter College: “We are delighted that so many visitors have joined us for the launch of this exhibition. There is a real buzz in the arts at the moment and this exhibition, together with our new Centre for Music and Performance just around the corner, shows how committed the College is to make things happen and capture this enthusiasm.”

Dates of summer shows…
All shows are open to the public at The Centre for Creative Industries, Queen Street, Exeter between 10am – 4pm (excluding weekends)

Staff Show: 9th May – 18th May
Foundation Degree Show: 6th June – 9th June
Summer Shows: 23rd June – 30th June
Extended Diploma Show: 6th July – 7th July

A WORLD CLASS outdoor education and training centre is to be developed in Exeter.

The £5.6 million centre at Haven Banks on the canal basin will be built and paid for by Devon County Council.

And, in a pioneering partnership, it will be run with Exeter College on a day-to-day basis.

The new development will replace the outdated existing activity centre on the Quay.

That currently provides outdoor education courses for more than 25,000 young people a year.

They include courses for sailing, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, climbing, caving, orienteering, archery, raft building, team building and first aid at Haven Banks and locations around Devon.

The new centre will provide a contemporary hub for outdoor adventure activities for young people and adults from Exeter and Devon and across the region.

Work is scheduled to start in the autumn and be completed by the spring of 2013.

Devon County Council leader John Hart said: “This is another major investment in Exeter by Devon County Council which will only serve to boost the economy of the city.

“It is the biggest single sum ever to be allocated from the proceeds of the sale of Exeter Airport.

“The new centre will provide 21st century facilities for a wide range of activities for both young people and adults in the growing sector of adventure pursuits.

“It is a major boost for Exeter and I am delighted that we have been able to enter into a long-term partnership with Exeter College to run the whole operation.”

Exeter College Principal, Richard Atkins, said: “Exeter College is delighted to be working as a strategic partner with Devon County Council to establish a world-class outdoor education and training centre for the people of Devon.

“This initiative will make a major contribution to the continued development and regeneration of the Exeter Canal Basin and will ensure that the area becomes a thriving hub for outdoor adventurous activities.

“This new partnership facility will enable us to offer an innovative approach to education and training, with provision that will encompass the individual needs of a wide range of students, including those who are currently disengaged from education through to professionals undertaking training and development in leadership and management.

“It will build on the continued success of the Sport, Leisure, Tourism and Public Services programmes at the College and it will enable the partnership to offer an outstanding learning environment in this exciting and growing sector to the wide range of learners across Devon.”

Alan Williamson from the Exeter Canal and Quay Trust said: “We fully support this exciting proposal.

“It will be a significant factor in helping to continue the regeneration of the area.

“We will be looking to make a significant contribution to the project subject to the approval of the Charity Commissioners.”

BUTTERFLIES, gems, flowers and feathers were among the accessories used to create the flamboyant, elegant, and fun-loving styles and fashions for this year’s Exeter College hair show. Based on one of two themes for the Strut Your Stuff event – Girls’ Night Out and Avant Garde – the group of Level 3 NVQ Hairdressing students delighted onlookers with their imaginative ideas.

Fearlessly pushing the boundaries, fairy lights and cartoon flowers were featured in up-dos, while fizzy drinks bottles, fake bank notes, and crisp packets could also be seen on the catwalk.

Among the outstanding entries was Liberty, by Vicky Simpson, who had used New York’s Statue of Liberty as inspiration for her towering crown of hair and regal outfit. Other ideas ranged from Prom Night and Butterfly Queen to Greek Goddess, LA Pool Party, and the seasonal Spring Is In The Air.

To enter the competition, each stylist dressed two models, a mix of students, friends and family, in looks they had created especially for the event which took place at College restaurant @34. Judges Jess Kent and Jane Burch, of Exeter-based salons Hair @ No 5 and Boomerangs, then chose the winners: Girls’ Night Out: Jade Voysey (First), Vicky Simpson (Second), Zoe Baker (Third); and Avant Garde: Suzi Rockey (First), Crystal Slocombe (Second), Vicky Simpson (Third).

Tina McCarthy, Deputy Head of the Hospitality, Hair and Beauty faculty, co-organised the event with colleagues Linda Creed and Suzanne Ward. Afterwards, she said: “Every year, I am amazed at the incredible quality and originality of some of the students’ work, and this year I think they have raised the bar even higher.

“There is always such a buzz in the air on the night as it offers the students a chance to show friends, family and prospective employers what they are capable of. For those wanting to go on to compete in professional competitions, this is a starting point, and the photos they walk away with will help showcase their work in future.”

Vicky Simpson, aged 23, of Exmouth, added: “I typed ‘Avant Garde’ into the internet and a photo entitled Helicopter Hair came up, and my idea to base my theme on the Statue of Liberty came from there. I felt quite overwhelmed when I found out I’d won prizes in both categories. I think the show is a great idea because it gives us the inspiration to be creative and lets us put our ideas out there for others to see.”

Budding head chefs and those aspiring to a career in front of house now have the opportunity to learn from the industry’s best.

The new Michael Caines Academy at Exeter College, in partnership with City & Guilds and Exeter College, will mix challenging practical and theoretical workshops with high profile experiences and masterclasses from leading chefs to promote excellence in hospitality and catering.

Designed to nurture the future generation of talented UK restaurateurs, chefs and food service personnel, the selection process at the end of the June will see just 16 applicants, aged between 16 and 19 years, invited to join the Academy – eight front of house and eight chefs. They will then commence the two year full time course in September, and will be given the opportunity to work their way up the flagship City & Guilds Level 3 Diplomas in Advanced Professional Cookery or Food and Beverage Service Supervision. They will also take part in further full time courses beyond the initial two years, potentially leading to a Level 4 City & Guilds qualification.

Setting the Academy apart will be the opportunity for students to participate in an array of learning experiences in addition to those core requirements of the nationally recognised Diplomas.

Helping students excel through knowledge development beyond the classroom, these activities will include masterclasses from the region’s leading chefs and producers, with Michael directly involved as well as Neil Haydock of Watergate Bay Hotel, Matt Mason of Jack in the Green and Tim Bouget of ODE Restaurant, taking on mentor roles. Farm walks, butchery demonstrations and visits to abattoirs, cheese manufacturers, breweries and bakeries are also planned in year one, with the aim of connecting students with the food and drink they will be using throughout their careers.

Speaking of the Academy, Principal of Exeter College Richard Atkins said, “We’re very excited about this new initiative that will raise the profile of excellence in hospitality. We’re proud of all our past students but Michael Caines has been a brilliant ambassador for the College from the time he was the College’s Catering student of the Year. He is now not only one of our Governors but is also spearheading this Academy that not only bears his name but is inspired by his passion for excellence across the hospitality and catering sector. The range of masterclasses and placements planned will therefore give these Academy students the elite experiences that will set them up for an equally glittering career as Michael.”

In year two, students can expect to enter industry competitions, visit leading trade shows and experience work in the country’s leading hotels and restaurants including Gidleigh Park. This represents another crucial element of the Academy, in that by developing local students’ skill levels and standards, high quality South West establishments can benefit from the pool of talent right on their doorstep.

A number of leading businesses are already involved but the Academy are proactively encouraging more to take part, as Michael Caines MBE confirms, “Our hospitality industry and colleges have to work together to develop the right learning skills. The Academy is doing just this by working in partnership with some of the best restaurants, pubs, caterers and hotels within our region and beyond to develop our students and to provide them with long term employment via an apprenticeship or through direct placement. We need to ensure that we continue to offer excellence in all we do if we are to maintain this important South West industry as a first choice for the consumer and as an employer alike. To achieve this we need to invest in our future, therefore our youth. Get involved!”

Designing vocational qualifications delivered by colleges, training providers and employers, City & Guilds are working closely with Michael and Exeter College to develop the best combination of qualifications and units to underpin the Academy’s training.

With Hospitality and Catering as one of their flagship sectors, Richard Hickin, City & Guilds Regional Manager, confirmed, “As a member of our Alumni, we are extremely proud of Michael’s achievements. At City & Guilds, we’re in business to inspire people to discover their talent, realise their career aspirations and encourage them to develop their skills to be the best they can possibly be. Michael is a brilliant example of what can be achieved when you believe in yourself. The Academy will have a huge impact on the future careers of its learners and on the industry overall and we are really excited to be a key partner in delivering Michael’s vision of catering excellence.”

STUDENTS from Exeter College’s Health, Care and Public Services faculty are holding a Spring Tea Party at Wonford Community Centre in Exeter today, from 2.30pm to 5.30pm.

The organisers, who are currently in Year 2 and working towards their Level 3 National Diploma in Health and Social Care, have financed the event entirely with money raised through donations.

The funding will pay for around 40 residents of Age Concern to be transported to and from the Spring Tea Party, where they will be welcomed by the students, and served tea, coffee and cakes. Entertainment will also be provided.

Speaking on behalf of herself and colleagues Tim Payne, Sam Brindley and Antonia Schofield, Year 2 Health and Social Care Tutor Anna Rawles says: “The pressure has certainly been on the students and they have worked extremely hard to raise the money needed to make this happen.

“They have risen to the challenge admirably and have been busy baking and selling cakes, donating their spare change on a weekly basis, and even took part in a sponsored silence. In addition, they have spent time decorating the hall with spring-themed decorations in readiness for their guests.

“We are extremely proud of them and would also like to thank all the people who have given generously to help make this afternoon a great success.”

Ellie McEvoy, aged 18, of Uffculme, said: “I have really enjoyed being involved in this event and all our hard work fundraising has been worth it, as we have raised over £300.

“I’m looking forward to spending time with older people this afternoon. It is going to be a great experience for everyone and will be a chance to bridge the gap between old and young. Older people are a big part of the community and should not be left out.”

TOGETHER with their tutor, Head of History Jim Thomson, Exeter College A level History students Sam Kewellhampton and Isobel Fraser recently spent a day visiting Auschwitz and Auschwitz-Birkenau as part of a nationwide educational scheme known as the Lessons From Auschwitz Project.

To secure their places on the trip, organised by the Holocaust Educational Trust, the pair entered an essay-writing competition at the College, their task being to write a 500-word submission about Why the Holocaust is Still Important to Learn About Today.

Sam, aged 17, of Exeter, said: “I’ve always been really fascinated by history in general, and interested in how something so horrific could have happened. I saw the trip as a way to learn more about it. The experience was very emotional.

“The most significant moment for me was when we entered the rooms where people’s personal belongings were kept after they had been taken from them. There was a pile of children’s toys and, amongst them, a broken doll. I found it both upsetting and poignant.

“It is so important that young people are given the chance to learn about The Holocaust because torture and neglect still go on in the world today. If you consider more recent events in Rwanda and Cambodia, we still haven’t learned from it. There are examples of terrible abuse of human rights happening around us. Most of my generation no longer has the real accounts of grandparents who lived through World War Two to listen to, so it is vital that we are given a chance to learn about such events through education.”

Isobel, aged 19, of Seaton, added: “Standing on the same ground that was trodden by victims and officers an uncomfortably small time ago, I experienced a fraction of the claustrophobia that the prisoners must have felt.

“It was a warm spring day and I could pause to enjoy the warmth of sunshine, put on a warm coat when the sun began to set, and turn my back and walk out of the camp, following a path laid by workers and trodden on by many cold Nazi boots without fear of death or reprisal, an experience never realised by thousands of men, women and children.

“I left with a feeling of guilt, a shared responsibility for allowing hatred to remain unchallenged, and at the same time recognition for all I take for granted in my day-to-day life, and an eagerness to enjoy that liberty that so many soldiers died to protect.”

Praising his students for their high level of understanding of the subject matter and empathy with people from the past, Jim added: “Discrimination still exists, as do all the building blocks for extremist ideologies to gain power – neither have disappeared. There may never be a situation on the scale of The Holocaust again, but there is nothing to say something similar may not happen somewhere in the world in future. Therefore, it is massively important that young people today learn about the reasons why, and the consequences of, this period of history. While our visit could never be described in positive terms, it was an eye-opener for all of us.”