Hundreds of pupils from across the north-east took part in an event dedicated to the memory of Anne Frank.
Organised by Grampian Regional Equality Council (GREC), the Anne Frank Awards 2016 were held at Cineworld, Union Square in Aberdeen.
More than 300 pupils from 15 schools across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray delivered a series of presentations at the event which puts the spotlight on diversity, equality and human rights.
The awards programme was again supported by Aberdeen-based commercial and office cleaning specialist, CSG.
The initiative attracted a large number of entries with around 600 schoolchildren taking part overall, each of whom received a GREC Anne Frank Awards certificate for their efforts.
Certificates and goody bags were presented to the pupils by Callum McCaig, MP for Aberdeen South, Lewis Macdonald, MSP for North East Scotland, Stuart Donaldson, MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kindcardine, Louise Buchan from CSG, and representatives from public bodies including Police Scotland and NHS Grampian.
Callum McCaig MP said: “We are all very proud of the pupils at the Anne Frank Awards, who have worked hard to showcase the importance of equality, diversity, citizenship and human rights.
“These values are fundamental to a fair and strong society, and it is great to see that passionately celebrated by young people in Scotland’s schools.
“Aberdeen is a modern city that is rich with diversity and it is great to see the next generation recognising we are all equal and all deserve respect. We have a lot to be proud of, and it was a pleasure to see that myself.”
Examples of the children’s work included the production of DVDs, power point presentations, poetry, art work, drama, songs, dance, cultural studies and awareness weeks.
Adriana Sokolowska, Promoting Respect project worker at GREC, said: “The 2016 Anne Frank Awards have been magnificent. We were delighted with the high number of entries from schoolchildren across the region.
“The work of pupils has been of the highest standard and I’d personally like to thank all schools who participated and helped make the event such a success. We hope to see everyone again next year.”
Louise Buchan represented CSG at the event and said: “This year’s Anne Frank award has proved to be yet another wonderful success. Congratulations to all the pupils who took part.
“CSG is proud to continue our support of this tremendous initiative which highlights the first-class work done by pupils in the region to highlight diversity and equality.”
The GREC Anne Frank Awards are one of the few remaining initiatives allowing schools to salute the moral courage of the young Dutch girl and her Jewish family who suffered as a result of Nazi persecution during World War II.
For further information about Grampian Regional Equality Council (GREC) visit www.grec.co.uk