National Socialism and World War II, destruction of democracy, holocaust, crimes against humanity - grade 12 learners at Deutsche Höhere Privatschule Windhoek (DHPS), are of course aware of the atrocities of the Third Reich and the influence it had on world politics. However, it is difficult for the young learners to put themselves into the position of a Jew, growing up in former Germany.

The Abitur learners listened attentively to Marianne Degginger, appreciating the unique opportunity they were offered by the visit of a witness of the Nazi era, who told them about her personal impressions.
Marianne Degginger was born in 1932 as a child of a Jewish mother and survived the Third Reich in Germany. She told how many of her relatives fled or lost their lives in concentration camps and how she felt as an outsider as an half-Jew, always and everywhere. She shared her experiences during, before and after the Second World war.

Touched by what she told them, the learners suddenly found themselves very close to the history she lived, and asked many questions, which Ms Degginger answered in detail and very honestly.

Sensitive questions, such as the question on guilt and responsibility, were also discussed and the young adults and the sympathetic elderly lady agreed: Today's youth cannot be blamed for the terrible things that happened, but it is in their hands to prevent something like this from happening again.

“Ms Degginger’s visit was very interesting and enlightening. For us, her neutrality was very surprising. She did not blame anyone for the Second World War", DHPS Abitur-learner Cora Starke says.

Andreas Robisch, DHPS history teacher, who initiated the visit, is incredibly grateful that his students had the advantage of this unique opportunity.