Thank you to all the secondary school pupils who entered our Holocaust Memorial Day competition from these BwD schools:
- Blackburn Central High School
- Pleckgate High School
- St Wilfrid’s C of E Academy
- Tauheedul Islam Boys’ High School
- Tauheedul Islam Girls’ High School
We invited them to explore the theme of this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day – Be the light in the darkness – through creative writing and artwork.
Their entries were judged by the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Coun Iftakhar Hussain, who was impressed by their inspirational masterpieces.
The Mayor said:
“Judging the competition entries, it was clear to me that these young people approached the subject of discrimination and oppression with real maturity. The work they created, whether written or visual artwork, was very poignant and showed they had a good understanding of the Holocaust Memorial Day theme.
“It was very difficult to choose the winners. Well done to every single one of them and thank you for your hard work.”
The Mayor has chosen two students to present their artwork at Blackburn with Darwen’s Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration.
Zakaria Master, a Year 8 pupil at Tauheedul Islam Boys’ High School – Zakaria penned a moving poem that explores themes around humanity and hope, and how we can all be the light in someone else’s darkness.
Be the Light in the Darkness
Everyone can be a full moon, Shining bright in the night sky,
But they also have a dark side, Which they often hide, but Why?
Because darkness is a crippling condition, Leading you to be paralysed,
Do not despair, make hope your mission, And success, you will soon realise.
Humanity has suffered many dark nights, Yet courageously it never gave up hope,
Because it continued searching for the light, That was the secret that helped everyone cope.
Sometimes darkness can be overwhelming, Do not be afraid, it is never too late,
Only light can extinguish darkness, Only Love can extinguish hate.
Millions of souls, born from despair, Rise to become stars, shining bright and fair,
All you need is, hope to harness, To be the light in others darkness.
By Zakaria Master (Year 8)
James Snelling, a Year 8 pupil at St Wilfrid’s – James created a sculpture of a candle with teardrops representing the lives lost in the Holocaust, and hands to represent the survivors.
Zakaria and James will each share present their masterpieces at this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration for Blackburn with Darwen. It will take place online, due to national lockdown restrictions, on Wednesday 27 January from 1.30 to 2.30pm. Find out more.
We’ve gathered together all the pupils’ entries for you to enjoy. You can view them below.