The aim of the programme is to create a platform for school children across Africa to participate in impactful educational animal welfare activities. The platform is intended to make them more compassionate to animals as well as get involved in preventing cruelty and abuse directed at animals within their communities. The current platform used to achieve the PAWS objective is the Animal Welfare Clubs.
Objectives
- To facilitate the establishment of Animal Welfare Clubs in primary schools (Private and Public).
- To raise awareness by engaging club members in activities aimed at promoting animal welfare in schools and at home and encourage the development of empathy, compassion, responsibility and positive attitudes to animals.
Background
Animal Welfare Clubs was introduced in Kenya in 2012. The program piloted in 13 schools in four (4) counties namely:
- Nairobi
- Kiambu
- Machakos
- Kajiado
Since then, Animal Welfare Clubs have been operating as informal youth group platforms in primary schools whose membership comprises learners between ages of 6 and 14 years. The clubs operate under the close guidance of a teacher who is the patron, and ANAW’s Project Coordinator. The members participate in activities geared towards making them more aware of the importance of animals and how they can prevent cruelty and abuse directed at animals within their communities. The program has been consistent with a steady increase in the number of schools and learners.
Activities
a. Design Production and Distribution of Teaching and Learning Materials
ANAW develops a teacher’s manual and learners activity books that are used during the club lessons. The manuals are revised from time to time to make them relevant to the current animal welfare trends as well as school curriculum. The learners also participate in other hands-on activities outside the classroom in order to practice what they have learned.
b. School visits
Scheduled school visits are done to enhance monitoring and grow relation between the learners, patrons, and the school administration. The ANAW Program Coordinator interacts with the school headteachers and club patrons in the respective schools. The visits are carried out when school is in session, preferably during the club sessions. This helps in the assessment of the delivery of the program.
c. Teachers Training and Workshops
All new patrons are trained to acquaint them with the program. The teachers’ trainings are held to sensitize and educate teachers on lessons delivery and the running of the clubs. They are also introduced to the animal welfare materials. Workshops are used to share experiences. It is also used as an evaluation tool.