The University of Vienna hosted a significant milestone for European remembrance education on March 27, 2025, as stakeholders gathered for the kick-off meeting of the CU REMEMBER project. This innovative initiative, supported by the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Program (CERV), aims to create meaningful connections between Children’s Universities and remembrance culture, with a special focus on linking the historical narratives of Trieste and Vienna.
Introduced by Karoline Iber, one of the presidents of EUCU.NET, the project addresses a crucial challenge: making complex historical narratives accessible to younger generations through age-appropriate, engaging formats. CU REMEMBER recognizes Children’s Universities as potential “catalysts and translators” that can bridge expert knowledge with young audiences, particularly for challenging topics like the Holocaust.
The kick-off event brought together an impressive array of stakeholders, including government representatives, universities, museums, schools, and remembrance institutions. Presentations from Valerie Zichy (GEDENKDIENST) and Professor Tullia Catalan (University of Trieste) highlighted Austria’s confrontation with its “victim myth” and Italy’s process of deconstructing the “good Italian” narrative, respectively.
Through World Café discussions participants explored key challenges in contemporary Holocaust education and developed collaborative solutions. This collaborative approach reflects the project’s commitment to establishing a solid common ground before implementation.
CU REMEMBER represents a significant step forward in preserving critical historical memory while fostering empathy and understanding among young people—ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to inform both present and future generations.
Read more about the kick-off event at the CU REMEMBER Blog hosted by eucu.net.
Photos from the event by Alexander Bachmayer / University of Vienna