Megan Quinn (St Columba’s High School, Gourock):
Presiding Officer and members of the Scottish Parliament, thank
you for the opportunity to address you today.
Anne Frank is a name that I am sure we are all familiar
with. Today, on what would have been her 89th birthday, we
celebrate Anne Frank day.
Anne Frank was a young German-Jewish refugee who hid from the Nazis
during world war two. Anne’s life was tragically cut short at
the age of 15 in March 1945 when she died of typhus in
Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Anne documented her time in
hiding in the form of a diary, which was published by her
father, Otto, to share her story. It has been read by millions
across the globe, including by many of us here today. That, in
turn, inspired a group of people to found the Anne Frank Trust
UK.
We at St Columba’s high school applied and were selected
to work with the Anne Frank Trust as peer guides, and then as
Anne Frank ambassadors. Throughout the process, we have shared
not only Anne’s story but the importance of challenging hate
and prejudice within our school and the wider community.
That has been an
invaluable experience. Not only have I learned more about
Anne’s story, I have become more aware of discrimination in
society and now feel more confident in using my voice to
challenge prejudice and hate.
Rhys Lambert (St Columba’s High School,
Gourock): In today’s society, young people face many
forms of discrimination and cyberbullying. It is important to
challenge and shout down hate and strive for a peaceful and more
equal society. Children are the future, which is why we need more
young voices to speak up so that they can grow up in a more
open-minded and tolerant world.
We read Anne’s story and are shocked at the level of
discrimination that a 13-year-old girl had to face, yet we
forget that it still happens today. I want to live in a world
where people do not have to be afraid of speaking up, where
people are not judged by race or religion, and where we show
compassion instead of hatred.
We invite you to reflect not only on Anne’s story but on
the dangers and harm that can be caused by prejudice going
unchallenged. We leave you with Anne’s words:
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a
single moment before starting to improve the world.”
