The stories of ordinary people - brave or not, famous or not - in extraordinary times are at the root of the teaching and learning programmes throughout the Imperial War Museum. At how many other museums can a child be as much a veteran of its subject as an adult can be? Passing on the experience of these veterans is our responsibility.

Each branch of the Imperial War Museum provides a service that inspires confidence, develops skills, deepens knowledge and creates a love of learning. The Museum works with schools, colleges, families, adults and senior citizens. The learning programmes encompass History, Art, Design and Technology, Literacy and Citizenship.

Over 600,000 learners participated in our programmes last year, including a quarter of a million children.

Future challenges The education departements are committed to increasing actual and virtual access to the collections, through face-to-face teaching, outreach programmes, and e-learning. Funds are required to develop and increase the e-learning resources available on the Imperial War Museum website, purchase education publications and provide each branch with video-conferencing equipment.