Helping ill children in Syria
In Syria, Director Dr Darem Tabbaa, is keen to exploit any opportunity to promote the vital relationship between animals and humans. Recently Dr Tabbaa organised a number of celebratory events which gave children the opportunity to see and handle animals.
Working with the Ministry of Culture, Dr Tabbaa set up a workshop for children seriously ill with diabetes. Amongst the 200 guests, and to the overwhelming delight of the children, there was a menagerie of tame animals to get acquainted with – three donkeys, a camel, plus several rabbits and chickens.
In the West, the physiological benefits of handling animals have long been recognised. Stroking and petting animals can improve general health, lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety and stress. Working on this belief, Dr Tabbaa was convinced that allowing the children to touch and handle animals would reduce stress levels, which in turn would lower blood sugar levels and, consequently, the children would be healthier.
He gave a talk on the physical and psychological benefits of owning animals, the way they can combat loneliness and often give people a new lease of life.
The day finished with a drawing competition, a concert and a short drama about animals which had been arranged by the Ministry of Culture.
Several other animal events have been organized since, including a celebration of the relationship between children and animals at the Spring Festival in Hama.
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