Workshop Empowers Kids in Kasargod to Assist Animals During Heat Waves
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Synopsis
In a significant initiative, 120 school children in Kasargod learned how to care for animals during extreme heat conditions through a two-day workshop organized by Humane World for Animals India, emphasizing empathy and community responsibility.
Key Takeaways
- Training on animal care during heatwaves.
- Practical measures like providing water and shade.
- Engaging activities to recognize heat stress.
- Community involvement through art and storytelling.
- Promoting compassion and responsibility among children.
Kasargod, April 5 (NationPress) In a commendable effort to promote empathy and awareness, 120 school children in Kasargod received training over the last two days on how to care for animals facing extreme heat conditions.
The two-day workshop focused on heatwave preparedness for animals, hosted at Padanna Kadappuram HSS School, and organized by Humane World for Animals India (previously known as Humane Society International India) in partnership with Valiyaparamba Grama Panchayat.
Nayana Scaria, Coordinator for Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Relief at Humane World for Animals India, educated the children on practical measures to protect animals during heatwaves, such as providing outdoor water bowls, creating shaded areas, and refraining from walking pets on hot pavements.
Engaging activities, including skits, visual storytelling, and poster-making, enabled students to recognize signs of heat stress in animals and learn appropriate responses.
Volunteer artists from various regions in Kerala also contributed, assisting children in designing impactful posters on the workshop theme.
With temperatures in Kerala exceeding 40 degrees Celsius and a heat alert issued by the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority as early as February, the workshop's timing was crucial.
“While the effects of extreme heat on humans are well recognized, animals suffer in silence, often without care,” noted Scaria.
“This initiative empowers children to become compassionate citizens. Through enjoyable, interactive sessions, we are working towards building a disaster-resilient community that supports both people and animals in the face of climate challenges,” she added.
Valiyaparamba Grama Panchayat president V.V. Sajeevan shared a similar view.
“When we use umbrellas to protect ourselves from the sun, we seldom consider the birds and animals around us,” he stated.
“This program, through storytelling, music, and art, not only enlightens young minds but also serves as a community example of compassion and responsibility.”
Humane World for Animals India has been actively working in Kerala for the past seven years, striving to enhance the state’s disaster resilience for both humans and animals. Their initiatives encompass disaster preparedness, response, and relief, equipping local authorities and communities with the necessary tools to safeguard animals during crises.
During the 2024 Wayanad landslides, the organization successfully led a significant animal rescue operation, saving over 200 animals, highlighting its dedication to animal welfare in emergencies.
