Cultural Center a Delight for Australian Outback Kids

Many children living in remote parts of the Australian Outback dont have a chance to attend proper schools. However, a distance education center is giving them a chance to experience a different way of learning. Its a journey that sees them trek across the country.

The Western Plains Cultural Center in Dubbo New South Wales provides a cultural experience for country people and students in the vast western region of N.S.W.
Distance education students travel hundreds of miles to the center at least once a year.

Dubbo distance education teacher Jenny Donovan says the center provides another way of learning for their students.

[Jenny Donovan, Teacher, Dubbo Distance Education]:
Its a real way of learning - you are looking at real stories, real people real hard evidence from the past. Instead of just looking at a book or a computer and seeing things you can actually talk to people who have been there, done that which is fantastic.

Manager Brigette Leece says the center is one of a kind.

[Brigette Leece, Cultural Center Manager]:
The Cultural Center is very unique because for the very first time in Australia it places a gallery, a museum, a café and an extensive art center, with multiple studios for different kinds of purposes all under the one facility.

Country folk have the opportunity to see high quality artwork. And in the museum see the resourcefulness of the early pioneers.

Some students are looking at the touring exhibition called "Courage to Care." This exhibition tells the stories of people who, against great odds, had the courage to rescue hundreds of Jewish people from being exterminated in World War II.

[Annette Guerry, Coordinator, Courage to Care]:
Courage to Care is a traveling exhibition that travels around country New South Wales, and to promote harmony, and understanding, and tolerance amongst all peoples, and nations.

Some distance education students traveled over 500 miles to visit this center.

[Jack Pritchard, Distance Education Student]:
It was really good. Very, very interesting, and I think a lot of people walked away with stuff learnt, and things that they have never experienced before and learnt about what really goes on.

This regional cultural center is certainly a valuable resource for children who dont have the advantage of attending normal schools.

Philippa Rayment, NTD, Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia.
Philippa Rayment

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• ntd
• NTDTV
• News
• Cultural
• Center
• Australian
• Dubbo
• N.S.W.
• Jewish
• World War II