The Anne Frank Center at the University of South Carolina is the official partner of the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam for the United States and Canada.
Our transformational programs prepare each generation to remember Anne Frank and the Holocaust, understand the threats of antisemitism and other forms of bigotry, and act for peace and justice.
To honor Anne Frank’s legacy and her father Otto Frank’s vision, we continually emphasize our common humanity, encourage cultural understanding, and promote open dialogue so that we can all learn to live peacefully together in a free society.
Gamecocks for Good: Supporting the Anne Frank Youth Network
ANNE FRANK YOUTH NETWORK
One of our most impactful programs is the Anne Frank Youth Network (AFYN), inspired by Otto Frank’s vision of bringing young people from different backgrounds together for cultural exchange, dialogue, and learning. Rooted in the belief that education is one of the most powerful tools against hatred, AFYN equips students with the knowledge, empathy, and leadership skills needed to confront antisemitism, racism, and prejudice in their own communities. Participants do not just study history — they learn how its lessons apply to the challenges they face today.
Last summer, AFYN hosted its third Anne Frank Youth Ambassador Network Forum, welcoming 20 students from South Carolina and across the United States, along with 20 students from Europe and South America, for a transformative week in South Carolina. Together, these young leaders engaged in immersive workshops, historical study, dialogue sessions, and collaborative projects. They deepened their understanding of the persecution of Jews by the Nazis and their collaborators, examined the political and social conditions that enabled the rise of Nazism, and explored the far-reaching consequences of unchecked hate and discrimination. Just as importantly, they built lasting cross-cultural relationships that challenge stereotypes and foster global understanding.
In addition to the international forum, smaller AFYN programs take place throughout South Carolina, engaging young people in one- and two-day workshops focused on dialogue, leadership development, and historical learning. These programs extend AFYN’s impact across communities and make participation accessible to more students.
Why Your Support Matters
Programs like AFYN require meaningful investment to ensure access for students of all backgrounds, regardless of financial means. Donations directly support travel to AFYN events, educational materials, expert speakers, site visits, and the facilitation of meaningful intercultural exchange. Every contribution helps remove barriers so that passionate young leaders can participate in this life-changing experience.
By supporting AFYN, donors invest in the next generation of changemakers — students who return to their schools and communities prepared to lead with courage, empathy, and historical awareness. At a time when antisemitism and hate are rising globally, your support ensures that we are not only remembering history, but actively shaping a more just and compassionate future.
When you make your “Give 4 Garnet” gift to the Anne Frank Center — and specifically to AFYN — you are empowering Gamecocks to make a meaningful difference in the world.
