The Crocus project from the Holocaust Education Ireland is a project I have always wanted to get involved in. This year, 2022, is the year for me! I registered for my teaching resource book and crocus plant bulbs online at
https://www.holocausteducationireland.org/crocus-project and I received a package of bulbs with a beautiful step by step teaching resource book to go along with it last week.
More than 100,000 schoolchildren across Europe take part in the Crocus Project every year by planting crocus bulbs – each flower a yellow star – to remember the 1.5 million Jewish children who died in the Holocaust.
Benefits of taking part
- A tangible way of introducing young people to the Holocaust.
- Raises awareness about the dangers of racism and discrimination.
- Encourages learning about tolerance and respect.
- Crocuses flower each year, adding beauty and a profound memorial.
- We provide free bulbs and a comprehensive resources pack for teachers.
They recommend that you plant the bulbs with your students( ages 10 and over) in October or November and hope for them to bloom around 27th January, which is International Holocaust Rememberance Day.
The yellow flowers recall the stars that Jews were forced to wear under Nazi rule. Crocuses bloom around the end of January at the same time as international Holocaust Memorial Day.
When people admire the flowers, the pupils explain what they represent and recall the children who perished in the Holocaust.
Registration opens in May every year but there still is an opportunity if you are quick. If you don’t get in this year, then put it in your diary for next year.
Here is a link to a video telling you all about it. I will be reading and reviewing some relevant and suitable books for all ages on the subject of the Holocaust for primary school students over the next few weeks so keep an eye out for that.
This project is supported by the Department of Education.