Context: At the end of the Second World War there were approximately eight million Displaced Persons on German territory, among them a larger number of former forced labourers who came from all across Europe, trapped within the territory of the “Third Reich” and facing an uncertain future. During the war most of them suffered severe deprivation of their rights by regulations and contractual conditions were accommodated in barracks, malnourished, and held back from returning to their home countries. After the war many of them decided or were forced to go back home, returning to societies that often identified with the victors of the war and were embarrassed by a large number of “collaborators” who had been forced to work for the enemy's war industry. Quite a large number of former forced labourers did not return, but instead emigrated to a third country.

The key aspects of this winter school are: (1) to discuss contemporary challenges facing history educators in Europe, with particular emphasis on teaching the history and the aftermath of forced labour during WWII, including repatriation and emigration of former forced labourers (2) to explore the documentation of the International Tracing Service and to identify the material that offers particularly rich opportunities for new educational projects (3) to encourage the exchange of ideas for partnered projects between the winter school participants.

Participants: 15 junior educators from European countries (teachers, museum workers, advanced students in Public History and other relevant disciplines).
The participants will be asked to actively participate in the discussions and share their experiences related to the seminar theme.

The language of the winter school is English.

The organizers will attempt to cover the costs of travel, accommodation and meals for the selected participants.