Curtin celebrates success of Moombaki Cultural Learnings Project

Curtin University is proud to celebrate the successful pilot of the Moombaki Cultural Learnings Project, a unique program aimed at boosting the wellbeing and school attendance of Aboriginal children by connecting them to their identity, culture, country and kin.

The Moombaki program, named after the Noongar phrase meaning “where the river meets the sky”, was piloted in three public primary schools and combines a virtual reality game with classroom lessons to educate all students about Noongar language, traditions and history.

The program recently won the 2024 Curtinnovation Humanities Award, recognising its innovative approach to education.

Lead researcher, Professor Cheryl Kickett-Tucker, said the initiative fosters a sense of pride and identity in Aboriginal children, while also encouraging a deeper understanding and respect for Indigenous culture among non-Aboriginal students.

“The Moombaki mobile app and virtual reality experience are innovative digital tools that allow students to embark on a quest to explore Noongar culture in an engaging, interactive way,” Professor Kickett-Tucker said.

“Students wear a VR set and are assigned a totem or spiritual emblem, such as a kangaroo or swan, which guides them through their journey, immersing them in Aboriginal ways of doing, making and being.

“We hope that by connecting with their culture and language, students will value their identity, which not only boosts their self-esteem but also positively influences their school attendance, laying a foundation for success in the classroom and beyond.”

The Koya Aboriginal Corporation cultural educators delivered the program to four classrooms across three schools in the City of Swan, reaching more than 100 students, including 38 Aboriginal children.

The eight-week program incorporates a variety of educational tools, including workshops, digital modules and on-country experiences, covering seven key themes such as ‘Boodja’ (Place), ‘Moort’ (People), ‘Moorditj’ (Wellbeing) and ‘Mardaa’ (Language).

Funded by the Australian Research Council and Curtin University, there are plans to expand the program, building on its success in the City of Swan.