The National Museum of Australia is set to receive $1.5 million from Australian philanthropist to implement an interactive history component into classrooms.
Prominent Australian philanthropist, John Gandel AC and Pauline Gandel have donated the money to support an unprecedent $6.5 million ‘Defining Moments Digital Classroom’ initiative that would allow students to explore history with digital and interactive platforms.
National Museum Chair, David Jones, said, “Gandel Philanthropy’s vision and far-sighted investment in the understanding of Australian history underpins the ‘Defining Moments Digital Classroom’, which will enable the National Museum to build a world class interactive educational resource for teachers and students nationally.”
The boost in funds will also assist with the acquisition of a contemporary aerial sculpture ‘Bogong Moth’ by acclaimed Victorian based Indigenous artist, Reko Rennie.
This is the largest philanthropic gift the National Museum has received and it is the first time the museum has instituted naming rights to acknowledge the donation.
“We are proud to support the National Museum of Australia’s initiative to deliver history and culture through this transformative, national educational program,” Gandel said. “The ‘Defining Moments Digital Classroom’ will connect children in every corner of Australia with our shared past, inspiring their future endeavours.”
The project is underpinned by the National Museum’s suite of digital products that have been created by the project to enrich foundational content and will be available in classrooms nationally from January 2020.
The initiative includes teacher professional development training that would allow schools to take advantage of the new resources for the benefit of students.
National Museum Director Dr Mathew Trinca said the support of John and Pauline Gandel was critical to ensuring this project became a reality.
“The ‘Defining Moments Digital Classroom’ is a classroom of the future: it will empower teachers with information at their fingertips, while at the same time inspiring young people to embrace history and engage with the nation’s story in new and innovative ways.”