Young people from Notts led last week’s event to mark the launch of the Anne Frank + You exhibition, which opened its doors at Mansfield Library earlier this month.

The globally renowned exhibition, run by the Anne Frank Trust, is aimed at teenagers of a similar age to Anne and draws parallels between the struggles of her life and those faced by young people today.

A number of primary and secondary schools across the county have already signed up to visit, but the county council is encouraging more schools to attend the exhibition before it closes on 26 November. A smaller exhibition, also running until the 26th, is being hosted by the D H Lawrence Heritage Centre in Eastwood

Thirty Year 6 pupils from Hillocks Primary School in Sutton-in-Ashfield were the first to visit the exhibition*. Headteacher Louise Regan said: “The exhibition was extremely informative, well done and inclusive and our children came away very well-versed about Anne’s life. It’s important that children continue to learn about events from the past such as this to prevent history repeating itself.

“We do a lot of ongoing work about World War 2 and the Holocaust at school and visit the Memorial Centre every year, so our children have a good bank of knowledge about the war. What did come over strongly from our visit was how shocked some pupils were about how badly some people treat their fellow human beings.”

Mansfield’s new youth major Jake Baldry, who welcomed guests at the launch, added: “Anne’s story is a powerful one which still holds significance today. And as a young person myself, I feel strongly that young people should take the lead in making our voices heard as we stand up to all forms of prejudice and hatred.

“I am especially proud to see so many young people involved in the launch. And I am sure if she was here to witness it, Anne would take some small pleasure in knowing that her story has indeed left a lasting legacy for future generations.”

Other young people involved in the launch included Keeley Terry, chairman of the Council’s No Labels group which represents the views of children in care along with other representatives from the group; trained volunteer exhibition guides who will be on hand each day of the exhibition; representatives from Ashfield and Broxtowe county council youth boards; and Murad Kamali, MYP for Mansfield.

Councillor John Peck, chairman of the Children and Young People’s Committee at Nottinghamshire County Council, which secured the exhibition for the county, said he hopes it will teach youngsters valuable lessons about tolerance, understanding and equality: “We are particularly proud to welcome this fascinating exhibition to Nottinghamshire this year – as well as it being the 70th anniversary of the end of WW2, 2015 also marks 70 years since Anne Frank’s death.

“We’re positive that schools across the county will get a lot out of the experience which will encourage visitors to challenge prejudice and hatred today. The exhibition covers themes of bullying, discrimination and the importance of freedom and encourages visitors to reflect on the significance of Anne’s story so that lessons from history are heeded.

“To resonate amongst today’s younger generation, the exhibition will address contemporary issues such as racism in football, gang violence in the UK and the courage of inspirational Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafazi’s campaign for the education of girls. It brings Anne Frank’s voice firmly into the 21st century, and includes interviews with modern-day teenagers.”

Chairman of the county council, Councillor Sybil Fielding added: “It’s been fantastic to see how these young people are eager to make a positive change and give their time and energy to ensure that we remember our humanity and act with compassion.

“They have reminded us that we cannot be complacent and that we need to continue to work hard to help everyone in our communities have a sense of belonging.”

Schools from across the county are being invited to the exhibition for educational visits where they will learn valuable lessons in interactive settings including a near life-size replica of Anne’s bedroom in the secret annexe.

Admission is free and the exhibition is suitable for both adults and children aged 10+. Groups of 30 at a time can visit the Mansfield exhibition.

A smaller exhibition will also be hosted by the D H Lawrence Heritage Centre in Eastwood. Please contact Sarah Lee on 0115 854 6440 or email [email protected] for more information.

Pictured is Mansfield’s new youth major, Jake Baldry, with county council chairman, Councillor Sybil Fielding; and MYP for Mansfield, Murad Kamali, at the launch of the Anne Frank + You exhibition.