Remembrance Journey 2025 to Krakow and Auschwitz

A journey for knowledge and reflection

Bladins School Foundation is honoured to announce that in spring 2025, we will organize a remembrance trip to Krakow and Auschwitz. This initiative is a central part of our efforts to promote the equal value of all people and strengthen our students’ democratic education.

By deepening students’ knowledge of Nazi Germany’s crimes against Jews, Roma, and other marginalized groups, the trip offers an opportunity to reflect on democratic values and their importance in today’s society. We also believe that the students’ experiences can inspire and influence others within our organization and beyond.

During the trip, knowledgeable guides will share insights into Jewish life and culture before World War II and the history of the Holocaust. The focus will be on Krakow and the former Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and extermination camp. To enhance students’ understanding, stories of individual experiences will also be highlighted.

The trip will be complemented by pre- and post-seminars. Students may also be asked to prepare a brief presentation to be delivered on-site in Poland.

The goal is to encourage students to reflect on their own values, how they perceive themselves and others, and their approach to the principle of equal human worth. A key message is that what one does—or chooses not to do—matters.

This is an important opportunity for schools and their students to participate!

Target Group

Students in MYP3 from Bladins International School
Students in Grade 8 from Bladins Elementary School
Students in Year 2 from Bladins High School

Students will apply for scholarships to participate in the trip. Approximately 20 students will be selected to join. School staff will accompany the students. We will work with a travel agency previously used by other Malmö schools. The agency will provide local guides at the visited sites, and the group will engage in discussions about their experiences both on-site and later at school.

All educational activities, travel expenses, food, and accommodation will be covered by the Bladins School Foundation. Minor personal purchases will be the student’s responsibility.

The trip will take place in the spring term of 2025.

Selection Criteria & Application

We are looking for students who are interested in representing their school. The purpose of the selection criteria is to ensure that the trip is meaningful and that participating students are strong representatives of Bladins’ values while developing as ambassadors for remembrance and knowledge-sharing.

The selection will be made in consultation with the school leadership and staff. A holistic assessment of the student’s suitability will be conducted.

Applications can be submitted in writing or orally through a personal letter (approximately 0.5–1 A4 page) or a short video explaining:

  • Why do you want to participate in this initiative?
  • What do you hope to learn?
  • How could you contribute to the group and help share knowledge after the trip?

Your application may be supplemented with an oral interview.

Desired Student Profile

We are looking for students who:

  • Are good ambassadors for the Bladins School Foundation.
  • Are engaged in democratic issues and human rights.
  • Are interested in collaborating with students from other schools within the foundation and contributing to a positive group dynamic.
  • Demonstrate responsibility for their studies and have good attendance.
  • Are comfortable traveling with about 20 other students and school staff, including overnight stays.
  • Have good academic performance and school attendance.
  • Are willing to be visible on social media to report and share knowledge about the trip’s theme.
  • Are prepared to share their experiences through interviews, marketing efforts, open houses, etc., on behalf of Bladins.

Application Requirements

  • You are a Grade 8 student at Bladins Elementary School, a Year 2 student at Bladins High School, or an MYP3 student at Bladins International School.
  • You must present a valid passport with an expiry date of at least May 1, 2025, by the application deadline.
  • You must provide proof of valid home insurance with travel coverage.
  • Selected students are expected to respect the emotional and historical context of the trip. This includes actively participating in discussions, workshops, and preparatory activities and contributing to a positive group atmosphere.

Mandatory Preparation and Engagement for Selected Students

  • Participate in preparatory activities: Students must actively take part in lectures, workshops, and group discussions related to the trip’s theme (e.g., history, ethics, human rights).
  • Study relevant materials: Students will read literature, watch documentaries, or write reflections as preparation.
  • Show engagement: Students should contribute with questions, ideas, and discussions, demonstrating seriousness about the trip.

Mandatory Follow-Up Work

Students who participate in the trip are expected to share their experiences afterward. This could involve giving one or more presentations (e.g., digital ones for social media) and proposing other ways to share their insights with fellow students.

Ethical Requirements

Understanding the trip’s purpose: Students must recognize the serious nature of the trip and be prepared to respect its emotional and historical significance. An assessment of the student’s ability to handle the trip’s demanding aspects will be conducted.

Parental consent: If the student is a minor, their guardian must approve their participation.

Applications must be submitted by Sunday, February 9, via email to Head of School, Anders Hjelm; anders.hjelm@bladins.se

You are welcome with your application!

Bladins School Foundation