Respect for animals 'key to learning values'

"A country which respects its animals and environment is a better one at respecting itself," Mahatma Gandhi once said.

The aim of the Animal Awareness Education Programme (AAEP) is to educate children that through respect towards each other, animals and the environment, we can live a better life in a healthier environment.

The programme falls under the Democracy and Values Unit within the Education Department. Janice Chetcuti, coordinator of the programme, believes that children learn more about values if they learn to respect the environment around them.

"The AAEP is not to be considered a subject on its own but an integration in all subjects to give a holistic approach to education. Animals, especially pets, can reach children who come from specific backgrounds in a way that no ordinary teacher can. Animals are very sensitive to children's needs and thus we want our children to be more respectful towards animals' needs," Ms Chetcuti said.

"The programme also works in a cross-curricular way to make academic subjects more attractive to children, such as learning languages, IT, social studies, PSD and mathematics," she said.

The Animal Awareness Education Programme is an ongoing process that has been involving schoolchildren in various activities throughout the year. The programme involves regular visits to schools during which children learn about the harsh realities of animal abuse, as well as global issues such as animal testing, poaching, deforestation and extinction.

"Unluckily enough in our country there's a lot of mistreatment of animals and we strongly believe that through education alone we can change this mentality," Ms Chetcuti said.

Many events are organised in different schools and are delivered in an entertaining way to spark interest in the students. Last year, activities were held at St Benedict's College in Ghaxaq and Gudja, at the Boy's Secondary School in Zebbug and in Luqa. One particular event which Ms Chetcuti recalls was when children were invited to assist to the release of 11 turtles who were nursed back to by the staff at Forti San Lucjan. The turtles were then set free at the Riviera Beach in Ghajn Tuffieha. Ms Chetcuti said: "It was such a joy to assist to such a special event!"

The programme's publication Animal Magic is another tool which is used to send out the message. The publication, which features interesting animal facts, articles and competitions, complemented by a friendly and colourful layout, keeps the reader updated on various activities organised by the AAEP.

On October 4, an International Animal Awareness Day will be organised at the Cottonera Sports Complex. Along with all the students of Cottonera College, which includes six primaries, three secondary and three non-state schools, the event will host 3,000 students.

The date coincides with the feast of St Francis, patron saint of animals. However, Ms Chetcuti believes that raising animal awareness is a continuous process "which must be given the adequate importance all year round. Also, it does not involve only our pets' welfare. We should take care of our pets and see that no cruelties are taking place, yet special importance is to be given to all wildlife animals and their habitat."