Holocaust Education Pioneer, Dr Paula Cowan, Appointed MBE

That the Parliament offers its warm congratulations to Dr Paula Cowan, who is a Reader in Education at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), on being appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to Holocaust education and remembrance in His Majesty The King's Birthday Honours List 2025; recognises that, in her position at UWS, Dr Cowan launched the pioneering Holocaust education programme, Vision Schools Scotland, in 2017, in partnership with the Holocaust Educational Trust (HET); understands that the key aims of Vision Schools Scotland include the promotion of excellence in the teaching of the Holocaust through identifying and rewarding schools where the subject has become embedded in learning, establishing networks for teachers to share good practice of school-based Holocaust education, and facilitating continued professional learning opportunities for education professionals; acknowledges that Vision Schools Scotland has experienced continued growth since its inception, with schools representing 17 local authorities now part of the Vision Schools network; recognises that the six Eastwood schools of Calderwood Lodge, Eastwood High, Isobel Mair, Mearns Castle High, St Ninian's High and Williamwood High are all part of the Vision Schools network and received commendation for the efforts and achievements of pupils and teachers on Holocaust education at annual awards events in Edinburgh; acknowledges that Dr Cowan's commitment, dedication and energy are key to the success of Vision Schools Scotland, and that she has driven the project forward to a position where it is now an integral part of Holocaust education in schools across the country; recognises that Dr Cowan started her career as a primary school teacher and that she has been engaged in teacher education and Holocaust educational research for a period of over 20 years; notes that Dr Cowan is a UK delegate on the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance and is a founding trustee of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT); further notes that, through her distinguished academic career and alongside her work with HET and HMDT, Dr Cowan has also collaborated with organisations including Anne Frank Trust UK, the National Holocaust Centre and Museum and the European Association of History Educators; agrees that the appointment of an MBE is very well deserved recognition of the major contribution that Dr Cowan has made to Holocaust education and remembrance, and looks forward to Vision Schools Scotland continuing to grow in future years.