Celebrating reconciliation in education
April 1, 2021 / By Reconciliation Australia
This was published more than 4 years ago. There may be outdated information.
The Narragunnawali Awards are Australia’s first and only national reconciliation in education awards for schools and early learning services.
Cash prizes of $10,000 as well as media and promotional opportunities are on offer to the winning applicants that display exceptional commitment to reconciliation.
Reconciliation Australia CEO, Karen Mundine said the recently released 2021 State of Reconciliation in Australia Report consistently asserts the role of education as a driving force in the reconciliation movement.
“Education is critical to how we understand and think about the world and about reconciliation; the earlier we have these conversations the better,” said Ms Mundine.
“These awards will showcase the huge amount of substantive work occurring in schools and early learning services, not only through teaching about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures in the classroom, but also through building relationships across education settings and their local communities.
“Despite recent challenges, schools and early learning services have continued to engage with reconciliation in creative and committed ways, showing us that at its heart, reconciliation is about forming sustainable and meaningful relationships.
“The Narragunnawali Awards are a chance for all of us to see this good work happening in education settings, and to be able to share and celebrate that.”
The judges praised their strong sense of connection with the community and the courageous conversations being had not only in the classroom, but also with families and community members alike.
Director Amy Shine says that when they won the award it felt like it lifted the whole community not just the preschool. “Everyone from the Mayor to the families at the preschool, we felt all won it together.”
Ms Mundine encouraged those schools and early learning services that strengthen community relationships and build respect, and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures to apply for an award.
Applications are open until midnight on 30 April 2021.
Apply or nominate now!