Printable VersionTeaching humane Values
"Children trained to extend justice, kindness and mercy to animals become more just, kind and considerate in their relations with each other. Character training along these lines will result in men and women of broader sympathies, more humane, more law-abiding and in every respect more valuable citizens. Humane education is teaching in the schools and colleges of the nations the principles of justice, goodwill and humanity towards all life. The cultivation of the spirit of kindness to animals is but the starting point towards that larger humanity which includes one's fellow of every race and creed. A generation of people trained in these principles will solve their difficulties as neighbors and not as enemies."
1933 National P.T.A. Congress USA
RSPCA NSW education officers and volunteers have reached over 60,000 students across NSW since 2005 with our humane education messages.
Our Humane Education Programs are a free service to the community and donations to the Society are greatly appreciated and ensure this service continues long into the future.
Our Metro Education Officers:
Lauren Preston and Angela Spears are our Metro Education Officers delivering our humane messages through specially designed programs to local Sydney Schools. Both are qualified teachers with primary school experience and a passion for animal welfare.
"Our goal in the humane Education department is to help shape positive attitudes towards animals. When people learn how to be kind to animals, they also Learn how to be kind to each other. Hopefully this will help to create a happier, more compassionate society in the future" Lauren Preston.
" I personally enjoy the delivery of our Humane Education Program because it encourages the children to be proactive whilst engaging them in animal welfare discussions" Angela Spears.
Our metro lessons cover dog bite prevention, responsible pet ownership, understanding the domestic cat through history and charities. They aim to inspire and motivate students into action through information.
RSPCA Metro Education Officers visit childcare centres, preschools, primary and high schools, community talks, shopping centres and community events.
Our Regional Education Volunteers:
Our regional education programs are delivered by and rely on dedicated volunteers like Kaelene Heylbut whose usual job is an animal attendant at our Orange shelter. But in 2005 Kaelene decided that she could help prevent the sort of cruelty she sees at the shelter by joining the RSPCA's humane education program as a volunteer.
Every month Kaelene visits the children's ward at Orange Base Hospital, taking with her a stuffed dog called Max, a story book called Mutt Dog and a big smile.
"I like children and can get down to their level easily. It's very satisfying because if just one child listens and learns to look after their pet properly, I can say my work is done," she said.
Kaelene and Max also regularly visit preschools, primary and high schools, play groups, special needs schools and the local PCYC. She talks about the importance of animals in people's lives and how to make every pet a happy and healthy member of the family.
Without the ongoing support of RSPCA Orange shelter, RSPCA Orange branch and the community, Kaelene would not be the great success she is today.
Our regional primary schools program targets dog bite prevention, understanding the needs of animals, responsible pet ownership, what is cruelty and empathy for all animals as they have feelings just like us.
School feedback:
"Can't recommend this lesson highly enough, very important for young children. We will role-play as often as possible."
Pendle Hill Preschool - Prevent a bite lesson
"Highly motivated speaker, children amazed at info provided - became a real talking point - positive behaviour."
Parramatta West Public School - Cat tales lesson
"The presentation was fantastic! We have never had a visit that was pitched at such an appropriate level. The children really enjoyed themselves. The presenter kept it fun for the children. Thank you so much!"
Chester Hill Public School - Special needs education
"I highly recommend the RSPCA's Education program to any Primary Teacher. This program offers children an opportunity to learn about the important roles animals play in our society and environment and how primary school children can act as responsible citizens. The high quality lessons provided by the Education Officers cover subject matter and outcomes from several key learning areas and challenge and engage the children."
Sandra Newell - lecturer in B.ED and M. Teach Degrees University of Sydney
