"When I write I can shake off all my cares. My sorrow disappears, my spirits are revived! But, and that's a big question, will I ever be able to write something great, will I ever become a journalist or a writer?"

The Diary of Anne Frank, Wednesday 5 April 1944

National Youth Conference

Thank you to everyone who joined us at our first National Youth Conference! 

On 23 March we welcomed young people from 13 schools across the country to our special conference event in Manchester. 

Guest speakers Azeem Rafiq and Bev Craig delivered powerful messages on challenging prejudice and believing in the power of your voice. Followed by workshops on spoken word poetry, drama and zines, young people got an insight into the various ways that they can use their creativity to  share their stories.

Working in groups with students from other schools, they got to know each other and ended the day with outstanding performances that challenged prejudice. 

We are so proud of all the young people who took part on the day. And a massive thank you to our guest speakers, workshop facilitators, teachers and staff who made this such a wonderful event. 

"Today at the Anne Frank youth conference I learnt about the different types of discrimination. I also learnt about zines and creative writing, with the creative writing I was able to write a creative story about discrimination, Islamophobia and racism. Today was amazing. Thank you for the amazing day." - Sara, Bingley Grammar School

With thanks to the Department for Education for their funding support.

See more coverage of the event here

International Women's Day

We celebrated International Women's Day with a wonderful online event attended by schools from across the country.

Young people watching share their promises for International Women's Day

We were very pleased to welcome award-winning author Priscilla Mante,  and activist and campaigner Amna Abdullatif to our #Breakthebias event marking International Women's Day.

Hosted by brilliant Anne Frank Worker Sam Winnard, we started by reflecting on Anne Frank's writing about being a woman, before discussing why this day is important and the ways in which women still face inequalities. 

Priscilla shared how she wanted her books to show girls that they don't need to be perfect, and can pursue whatever dreams and passions they have. And Amna shared her experiences as a city councillor, the power of taking up space and being a woman in politics. 

Thank you to all the schools who attended, asked such great questions and engaged in thoughtful discussion.

Opportunity: University of Kent Studentship

We're excited to share that applications are open for a 3-year PhD studentship in the School of Psychology at the University of Kent, in collaboration with the Anne Frank Trust.

This fully funded studentship provides a research opportunity to examine the psychological processes that enable children to speak out against prejudice, and generalise their learning and knowledge from one context (in this case Anne Frank’s story and the holocaust) to understand and challenge prejudice in their own lives.

The successful student applicant will work closely with the academic supervisors at the University of Kent and the Anne Frank Trust throughout the research process. 

For more information and eligibility criteria please see below. Share widely with those in your networks!

Apply

Run for us!

Sign up for the London Marathon and help take us closer to a world free from prejudice!

The London Marathon is an amazing opportunity to challenge yourself, and challenge prejudice.

Whether you take part virtually or in-person, every mile you run, walk or jog, will support our work and empower young people to stand against hate.

We have 3 virtual and 1 in-person space available, so get in touch today become part of #TeamAFT 

We will be able to offer help and support as you get prepared and will be there on the day to cheer you on, in-person, or virtually!

Contact: [email protected]

Coming up: Stephen Lawrence Day Event

London secondary schools are invited to an online event on 22 April to mark Stephen Lawrence Day.

Billy Clout - Anne Frank Worker, South Yorkshire
With experience as a counsellor for Canyon Creek Summer Camp, as well as working for several other charitable organisations like All It Takes, The Harold Robinson Foundation, Kern Bridges youth homes and the Grossman Burn Centre. Billy is passionate about using his experience in youth development programs to help young people confidently challenge all forms of prejudice and discrimination.