SPANA: Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad

Education programme

SPANA works in some of the poorest countries in the world, where life can be very hard for people and their animals. In many cases, every family member needs to work – even the children. Often they are given the 'simple' task of tending the animals and they learn their job from parents or older brothers and sisters. Instructions are passed from generation to generation, often becoming muddled or distorted along the way. Knowledge of animal husbandry is at best limited, but often inaccurate as well. Animals can suffer as a result.

SPANA is committed to changing this. Most of our vet centres have educational facilities, including classrooms to hold talks and environmental exhibitions to teach children the value of animals. We also work in schools, equipping children with the knowledge they need to respect and care for animals now and in the future.

We use storybooks to help children understand the importance of animals and the environment, whilst at the same time helping them learn to read. Plus, we print pamphlets for pupils to take home, encouraging them to share the principles of good animal care amongst their family and friends. Also, SPANA funded Animal Clubs encourage children to learn about animals in greater depth and create a fun environment for regular learning.

In these ways, we are changing a whole generation's attitudes. When they come to have families of their own, we hope they will pass on better standards of care to their children.

Please help us continue this vital work and make cruelty to animals a thing of the past.

Local children learning basic farriery techniques from our mobile vet team.

Photo: SPANA