Anne Frank: Lessons in Human Rights and Dignity

"I see the world being slowly transformed into a wilderness, I hear the approaching thunder that, one day, will destroy us too, I feel the suffering of millions. And yet, when I look up at the sky, I somehow feel that everything will change for the better, that this cruelty too shall end, that peace and tranquility will return once more. In the meantime, I must hold on to my ideals. Perhaps the day will come when I'll be able to realize them!''

-- Anne Frank,
July 15, 1944, age 15

Anne Frank and her mother, Edith, in 1931. Anne loved the sandbox at the home on Ganghoferstrasse.
[Photos from “Anne Frank: Beyond the Diary”]

The powerful writings of a teenager from the darkness of her hiding place during the Holocaust can teach us much about making a difference for the 21st century.

The 1999 Newspaper in Education series, is "Anne Frank: Lessons in human rights and dignity.'' The series embraces a broad spectrum of topics using Frank's legacy as a framework.

How do we learn to get along with, respect and care about each other in our communities, as part of a nation, between one country and another? We study the past in part to become aware of the terrible toll of discrimination, hatred and violence.

The lessons of the past and their importance for the future will be explored by Joyce Apsel, director of education at the Anne Frank Center USA in New York, which made the touring exhibit available.

"To make our democratic society work, ''Apsel says, "each of us must strive to reduce discrimination and prejudice in ourselves and others and educate ourselves as citizens of our community, the state of Florida, the United States and the world.''

These are the ideals of Anne Frank.