07/04/2005

Lottery cash to bring children and WWII veterans together

As the UK prepares to mark the 60th anniversary next month of the end of the Second World War in Europe, lottery grants announced today will be awarded to fund special projects explaining the importance of the victory to today's young people.

The Big Lottery Fund's £10 million 'Their Past, Your Future' UK-wide schools and education scheme aims to give young people the opportunity to learn first-hand from veterans about their experience of war. The Big Lottery Fund is working closely with the Imperial War Museum, the museums, libraries and archives sector and local education authorities to help young people research and learn about the personal experiences and roles played by forces personnel and civilians during the Second World War.

The scheme is part of the Big Lottery Fund's Veterans Reunited programme, which has also funded return visits to wartime sites for more than 25,000 veterans, spouses, widows and carers, and provided grants to communities across the UK to mark the events in wartime Britain 60 years ago.

Stephen Dunmore, Big Lottery Fund Chief Executive said: "With the celebration of the 60th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day next month, now is the perfect time to emphasise to young people the importance of the sacrifices made by those who lived during the Second World War. The Their Past, Your Future scheme will enable thousands of young people to undertake exciting projects that will bring history to life, not just in the classroom but also on former battlefields and in the streets of their communities and cities.

"By talking to World War Two veterans, researching historical events, creating exhibits for their local community and visiting historical sites, young people will be able to preserve the important memories of the war for future generations and learn to appreciate the value of their freedom."

(GB)


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