THE UNIVERSITY
OF BURGOS SUPPORTS
THE MEMORY OF AUSCHWITZ
The National Institute of Auschwitz-Birkenau in Spain carries out its activities in accordance with the mission of the Auschwitz Memorial. The goal of the Spanish Institute is, among other things, to assist the governments of individual regions in Spain, including universities, foundations, public and private institutions, in developing educational tools on both the history of Auschwitz and contemporary issues relating to the protection of human rights.
Álvaro Enrique de Villamor and the vice-chancellor expressed their conviction that this partnership, supported by the deputy vice-chancellor for social responsibility, culture and sport, Delfin Ortega, will bring about an increased awareness among the academic community on the values of democracy, peace and human rights.
- We are convinced that cooperation with the University of Burgos will somewhat combine two crucial elements that are essential in creating democratic societies in the European context. On the one hand, it concerns education in social and technical sciences at the university and, on the other hand, education in social values and the strengthening of memory, which we must continue to work on - said the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland.
The President of the Institute said, "without social memory, there can be no social responsibility, which is why the agreement is of great value".
The collaboration will begin in the coming weeks with the organisation of a conference at the Teatro Principal in Burgos, during which Vice-Chancellor Delfín Ortega shall be appointed honorary curator of the main exhibition of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Institute, currently located at the San Salvador Monastery in Oña. The meeting will also serve as an opportunity to exchange thoughts on the issues presented in the exhibition, "German Nazi Death Camp Auschwitz Konzentrationslager".
The deputy vice-chancellor explained that the conference is the beginning of this relationship but that the primary goal is to develop activities that promote remembrance, especially since the subject of Auschwitz offers the possibility for very universal and cross-sectional reflection. Mr Ortega pointed out that the directions of action will support the dissemination of knowledge in society. He also stated that a project was in place to establish a degree course at the University of Burgos in cooperation with the National Institute of Auschwitz Birkenau in Spain.
The agreement also foresees in-depth projects for education and training. - Auschwitz does not only represent the anti-values of crimes committed in the past by people; Auschwitz is also a melting pot of values found in the vast number of survivors' accounts. They spoke about people who, in the extreme world of the camp, were able to support others - often strangers selflessly - and in some cases were capable of sacrificing their lives for them - said the president of the Institute.
- The contrast between values and anti-values allows us to work comprehensively on various levels - and I am confident that together with the University of Burgos, we are initiating a vital milestone for the National Institute of Auschwitz Birkenau in Spain - he stressed.
The Vice-Chancellor Pérez Mateos thanked the Institute for its interest in retrieving social and historical memory, which reminds us of human nature.
- It has been more than 80 years, and yet we are still shaken by this story. I believe that this is how it should be. The university can play an important role here. Our students and the entire academic community need to be constantly reminded of what memory brings - which is why it is so important to work with your Institute to develop our activities - he said.
The University of Burgos is a public university. About 10,000 students are enrolled in 30 undergraduate courses and 20 doctoral programmes.
The vice-chancellor of the University of Burgos, Manuel Pérez Mateos, and Álvaro Enrique de Villamor y Soraluce, President of the National Auschwitz Birkenau Institute in Spain and Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland in Spain, signed a cooperation agreement for the joint development of activities aimed at commemorating the atrocities perpetrated in human history, as well as demonstrating the value of solidarity experienced by the prisoners of the Auschwitz concentration camp.
University of Burgos