Pupils attend launch of Anne Frank exhibition

The display is being held at Dundee Central Library to help mark the 10th anniversary of the charity behind it.

Anne Frank + You, presented by anti-prejudice education charity Anne Frank Scotland, in partnership with Dundee City Council, draws on elements from the teenager’s life and diary that have a strong contemporary resonance.

It examines themes including the nature of prejudice, and the value of freedom and education.

Speakers at the launch event — which takes place days before what would have been the diarist’s 89th birthday on June 12 — included Anne Frank ambassadors from Dundee secondary schools, who discussed her life and issues facing young people today.

Youngsters from Baldragon Academy, St John’s RC High School, Harris Academy, Grove Academy, St Paul’s RC Academy, Craigie High School, Braeview Academy and Morgan Academy took part.

Speakers at the event were Tim Robertson, new chief executive of the Anne Frank Trust, Paul Clancy, education director for Dundee City Council and Nick Hobbs, head of advice and investigations at the Children and Young Persons Commissioner’s Office.

Mr Clancy said: “Anne Frank + You is a great vehicle to show off the skills of our young people in Dundee, to share a story of hope and a message of respect.

“No matter your religion, race, political persuasion — everyone deserves respect, the freedom to be who they are, and the opportunity to realise their full potential.

“It’s a message that sits well with Dundonians who have a long history of tolerance and reaching out to those who are oppressed.”

The launch event has been organised, with support from Anne Frank Scotland’s staff, by a steering group of teenaged Anne Frank Ambassadors.

Several of them are taking centre stage, delivering speeches, presentations and singing.

In the last decade Anne Frank Scotland has created more than 400 such ambassadors from among the tens of thousands of young people it has worked with.

Eilidh Lean, Anne Frank Scotland Project Officer said: “Our young people unfailingly amaze and inspire us through their commitment, honesty, insight and enthusiasm for their work: sharing Anne’s story and challenging prejudice within their schools and communities.”

The exhibition runs until June 27.

YOUNGSTERS from schools across the city attended the launch of a thoughtprovoking exhibition that explores the life and modern legacy of Anne Frank.

Main picture: Anne Frank Scotland education team Eilidh Lean and Linda Young; inset: Students from across the city attended the launch.

Students at the exhibition.