Inspirational story of Dumfriesshire WWII heroine Jane Haining to be taught in schools
dailyrecord.co.ukThe inspirational story of WWII self sacrifice by a Dumfriesshire heroine is to be taught in Scottish schools.Dumfries teacher William McGair, who has been sharing her story with local youngsters for decades, has been hired by the Jane Haining Project – a cohort of Christian and Jewish people who believe that her courage and humanity is very relevant today “in light of growing levels of antisemitism, racism and intolerance”.He will spearhead a national drive to encourage Scottish schools to teach pupils about the Church of Scotland school matron from Dunscore who died in the Auschwitz extermination camp in Nazi occupied Poland in July, 1944, after refusing to abandon Jewish girls in her care.Next year marks the 80th anniversary of her death and Mr Gair said: “She was an ordinary person who found herself in extraordinary circumstances and her story helps bring the Holocaust to life in a relatable and meaningful way as it puts a face and name to one of the millions of people murdered by the Nazis.”The Reverend Ian Alexander, a member of the project committee, said: “Jane Haining showed tremendous courage in the face of intolerable evil and her heart-breaking and inspirational story is as important today as ever.“We are delighted that William has agreed to take this important work forward in schools as we seek to ensure that her memory is kept alive for generations to come.”Mr Gair is “excited” about his new role and the prospect of ensuring Jane’s life and legacy is shared more widely in schools across Scotland.He added that although her story is rooted in the Holocaust, he hopes it will lead to discussions about the cause and impact of other genocides in countries such as Bosnia, Cambodia and Rwanda.Education resources
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