BDKJ Paderborn uses virtual and augmented reality in Zeit ohne Zeugen, an educational programme helping young people engage with the history of National Socialism and the Holocaust. The programme brings digital encounters with historical sites into schools and youth groups, with the aim of making history accessible and emotionally engaging.
WDR's October 2026 reporting describes participants using VR headsets to explore sites including the Anne Frank House, Auschwitz and the Warsaw Ghetto. Project initiator Nico Schnittger traces the idea to the coronavirus period, when travel to memorial sites was restricted. He has also stressed that digital experiences do not replace visits to memorial sites.
Project-day format
BDKJ's current programme page advertises a five-hour project day comprising six modules. Its activities include “Meine Freundin Anne Frank,” part of the WDR AR 1933–1945 history app. Operator photographs show participants using Meta Quest 2 headsets and controllers.
BDKJ Jugendbildung gGmbH delivers the programme. Support has come from the Archdiocese of Paderborn, with cooperation partners including the University of Nottingham, the National Holocaust Centre and Museum, the Heinz Nixdorf Museumsforum, the Brandenburg Museum and Filmuniversität Babelsberg Konrad Wolf.
Delivery and reported reach
Gesamtschule Ahornallee in Gütersloh reports that its year 9 and 10 pupils took part in May and June, with financial support from BDKJ Paderborn and the City of Gütersloh's cultural department.
On 13 October 2026, WDR reported that, according to BDKJ, the programme had reached more than 2,700 young people through more than 120 events since its start. These are programme participation figures. WDR also reported that Zeit ohne Zeugen received €10,000 in prize money from the Margot Friedländer Foundation.
