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Youth envoys named for David Cameron's Holocaust Commission

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David Cameron’s Holocaust Commission has announced a panel of young Shoah ambassadors who will work on developing educational tools to help future generations learn about the genocide.

The six students were chosen after they wrote essays outlining their plans for keeping the memory of the Holocaust alive.

One will be chosen by Nobel Peace Prize winner and survivor Elie Wiesel to become a full commissioner alongside the Prime Minister, leading politicians, academics and celebrities later this year.

Ben Jones and Ashleigh Dalziel, both 20; Benjamin Alford and Abigail Luke, both 17, and 16-year-olds Charlotte Cohen and Izzy Smith were selected from almost 800 entries.

They attended a special session in Downing Street on Monday to discuss their ideas with commission chair Mick Davis, Labour Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls, Conservative Chief Whip Michael Gove and newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky.

The group discussed possible measures including a time capsule project, a kite-mark for schools which excel in Holocaust education, and the creation of mobile phone apps.

Mr Balls said: "We've heard some great ideas about how to engage more young people in this important issue.

"The fantastic young people who joined us for today's discussion are incredibly committed to Holocaust education and awareness. They are the next generation and their contribution to this debate is vital."

Four of the selected youngsters are already Holocaust Educational Trust ambassadors.

HET chief executive Karen Pollock said the charity was delighted that its representatives had been chosen.

“They began their journey as participants in our Lessons from Auschwitz project and have been inspired to share their learning with others,” she said.

“The high calibre of essays submitted to the commission is a testament to the dedication of young people to remember the Holocaust.”

The commission is due to submit its findings to Mr Cameron in December, with a public announcement expected early next year.

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