Case: campaign Learn about the Holocaust

The Holocaust is a black page in Dutch history. The subject touches on current tensions, polarisation and social sensitivities. Teachers also notice this in the classroom. How do you deal with a subject that is so urgent and sensitive at the same time?

For the National Anti-Semitism Coordinator (NCAB), we investigated how the campaign Learn about the Holocaust can better meet teachers' needs. The aim: to inspire and support teachers to use the teaching materials on leeroverdeholocaust.nl active use.

Holocaust education is considered important. Two thirds (67%) of teachers pay attention to the Holocaust theme in their classes at least once a year. At the same time, our survey found that 25% of teachers experience obstacles when dealing with this topic in class. The subject can chafe: discussions can be sensitive and current affairs often come into play.

The survey revealed, among other things, that teachers need tools to stimulate conversation in the classroom. We therefore advised the NCAB to use the campaign to stand more ‘alongside’ the teacher and remove barriers. For example by:

• Share practical stories from teachers showing how they make the subject discussable.
• Point teachers to Leeroverdeholocaust.nl as a central place with practical tools, teaching materials and inspiration for getting started with Holocaust education.
• Targeted DM campaigns and use of professional media that appeal directly to teachers.

By putting real-life stories at the centre and lowering barriers for teachers, engagement grew. The number of teachers finding teaching materials through the campaign website increased by 233% compared to last year.

Want to know more about our approach and research? You can read more about it on this page.