OUTGOING Education Minister Peter Weir has said he is keen to see a restoration of a programme that teaches young people about the Holocaust.
In one of his last days as minister, Mr Weir said the Lessons from Auschwitz programme should resume.
Mr Weir, who next week will be replaced by Michelle McIlveen following a DUP reshuffle, said it would provide pupils with "an important historical perspective for how we live today".
Lessons from Auschwitz is an educational and commemorative programme open to 16-18 year-olds.
Participants are given the opportunity to develop their historical understanding of the Holocaust and consider its relevance today.
Young people hear directly from a Holocaust survivor, join a one-day visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau and share what they have learned with their schools and communities, ensuring that the lessons of the past are remembered.
"This is an important programme for Northern Ireland, both in terms of education and good relations so I am keen to see a restoration of the programme so it is available to students here, and therefore I am delighted to confirm my commitment to its resumption," said Mr Weir.
"It provides important opportunities for students to learn, first-hand, lessons from our collective history and apply them to their current context.
"The Holocaust Educational Trust has provided an important educational programme for students here for a number of years.
"While I appreciate that detailed funding arrangements will need to be finalised, a resumption of Lessons from Auschwitz Programme provides an important historical perspective for how we live today. I would encourage schools and pupils to take up the chance to take part in the programme if the opportunity arises."
