The battle in our schoolsAnimal Aid has always given top priority to education, believing it to be one of the most powerful weapons in the fight against animal abuse. There is increasing demand from teachers for our educational resources, which include well researched factsheets and reports, leaflets, posters, videos and suggested classroom activities. We have a database of more than 2,000 teachers who receive regular newsletters containing up-to-date information, details of current campaigns and new resources. Teachers are advised how these can fit in with curriculum requirements. We also inform them about suitable material produced by other animal protection groups. |
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SpeakersWe're constantly asked to provide speakers by Religious Education, English, Food Technology, PSE and General Studies teachers - and also by those responsible for the new subject on the school curriculum, Citizenship. Our network of school speakers is expanding all the time to meet growing demand. Many have attended one of the Speakers' Workshops we organise around the country. These aim to motivate potential speakers, explain the 'nuts and bolts' of giving talks and explore ways of making the best possible case for animals. We must be doing something right because teachers often ask for a return visit from our speakers - and comment favourably on how pleased they are at the way students react to what they see and hear. To request a school speaker simply easy-email us. |
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The battle aheadYet this is not always the case. It is a sad fact that many young people are quite ill informed about animal rights issues and can sometimes be hostile to the argument that animals should not be experimented upon, eaten or killed for clothing or sport. The farming industry, the pro-vivisection lobby, hunting interests and the fur business are making greater efforts than ever before to justify what they do and are also prioritising schools and colleges. Given their financial clout, it is inevitable that some young people are influenced by the propaganda they produce. This is why we believe that our education campaign is so important. We have to get our message across and show young people that these issues are enormously important and affect every part of their lives. We have to empower them to believe that if they do not like what's happening, they can do something about it. They will be able to make a difference, but only if properly informed and sufficiently motivated. That is our task. |
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"Most students show interest in the issues and the videos have
their full attention."
