27 Jan 2026
10:00am - 10:45am
Online
Join award-winning writer, Tom Palmer, author of After The War, and his special guest, Ruth Barnett as they discuss her extraordinary life story starting with her escape from Berlin to England in 1939. This event is part of our suite of resources available to support schools in commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day 2026.
What to expect from the event
In this online event, Tom Palmer and Ruth Barnett will discuss her life and experience as a displaced person growing up in England in the 1940s and 1950s. They will consider why it is important to keep sharing her story and how her experience bridges the generations.
Attendees will:
- Learn from Ruth about her experience of travelling to England, and her life, during and after the Second World War.
- Hear from a world-class author and be inspired to discuss and write about this important subject.
- Have a chance to ask questions and share in this unique experience with thousands of others across the United Kingdom
Age suitability
Please note that this event is aimed at secondary students, aged 11 to 14 (KS3 - Years 7, 8, 9, or S1, S2 and S3).
How to take part
This event will take place on Zoom Webinar those who sign up will receive a link to attend live. A recording will be made available for those who cannot attend live. Please sign up to receive a link to the recording when available.
Twenty-five schools that register for and attend the online event will be in with a chance of receiving a free bundle of books.
You will be able to interact with the presenters through the chat function, but you will not be able to chat with, or see the chat from other schools.
Unless asked by the National Literacy Trust within the event as part of the event, schools will not be able to turn their camera or microphone on.
Expressing feelings was the lowest-rated of all skills, and dips in expressing ideas and feelings during early adolescence point to a period where many children may struggle to make themselves heard. Supporting self-expression at this stage is vital, both for learning and for wellbeing.
Children and young people's speaking and listening in 2025
Holocaust Memorial Day 2026 resources and event
To mark Holocaust Memorial Day, our live event and accompanying resources aim to support young people’s literacy skills while helping them learn about the past. We hope to inspire them to work toward a future where hatred and persecution are challenged. These resources encourage pupils to engage in engaged and informed discussion, with a focus on fostering empathy and understanding. This work is inspired by the writings of author Tom Palmer.
Supporting and contextualising the event, Tom shares the true story of Ingrid Jacoby, thoughtfully adapted for young audiences. This story is accompanied by resources that will help you guide purposeful, empathic discussion grounded in oracy skills, with a focus on empathy, understanding, listening, and community. Find Tom's story and the activities on our Holocaust Memorial Day page.
Register to take part
Please complete the form below to register for this free event. Your confirmation email will include a Zoom link to join us, and we'll send a reminder in advance of the event date. Please check your junk/spam if your confirmation email does not arrive.
For any questions, contact membership@literacytrust.org.uk