Educational Programs
Global Strays’ educational workshops engage youth with a unique curriculum teaching the foundations of animal welfare. Our shelter partners saw a great need for animal welfare knowledge in the underserved communities surrounding their shelters. As a result, Global Strays Educational Program was born to foster better and more humane relationships between community members and animals.
Global Strays believes that education is the best way to cultivate long-lasting change. Our full-day workshops engage youth in informative lessons, reinforcement activities, and creative projects that follow the workshop’s theme. Our curriculum continuously expands to address the educational needs that our local staff observe in their communities while considering the broader cultural environment. We strive to focus on the connection between the well-being of animals, our fellow humans, and the environment.
The Five Liberties of Animals
Our current educational workshops are on the Liberties of Animal Welfare.
Take a look at our recent workshop:
Freedom #1:
Freedom from Hunger and Thirst
Location: Los Cocos, Nicaragua
Description: Students illustrated:¨Water should be available to a pet at all times, including at night.¨
“When you ask the kids what the 1st Liberty is, they yell it [out] loud! And then the same for the 2nd Liberty. They remember everything! It’s amazing!¨
– Elisa Quiroz, Global Strays Educational Coordinator.
(center, back row)
Freedom #2:
Freedom from Discomfort
Location: Los Alpes, Bogata, Colombia
Description: This student illustrated things that made her feel uncomfortable and comforatebal.
“Not to hit dogs, and that if we see a dog outside, we can bring them into our homes, tuck them in with a warm, soft blanket, love them and take care of the dog’s babies.”
– Michell (Colombia)
Freedom #3:
Freedom from Pain, Injury, and Disease
Location: Los Alpes, Bogata, Colombia
Description: Students reacted to what they would do if they saw that their dog was visibly ill. This student responded:
“I would take it to the vet to know what the dog has and to make sure it is healthy.”
“The children have learned a lot about the importance of spaying & neutering, vaccination, the responsibility of having a pet, and the respect they should have for the life of all beings.”
-Maria Fernanda Pacho Galindez (left), Educational Coordinator Colombia, Fundación Pacto Animal (Colombia)
Freedom #4:
Freedom to Express Normal and Natural Behavior
Location: Los Cocos, Nicaragua
Description: Students created projects highlighting an animal’s normal behavior in its natural habitat. The one above reads: “The dolphin: Swims a lot, comes to the surface, eats fish, and is friendly.”
What would you tell your family or someone that had animals:
“Take care of your animals, give them love, give them a comfortable and clean space to be.”
-Henery (Colombia)
Freedom #5:
Freedom from Fear and Distress
Location: Los Alpes, Bogata, Colombia
Description: Students illustrated different things that could bring a dog, a cat, a cow, and a human fear or distress. Answers ranged from rain to shadows.
What will change in the way that you treat your dog?:
“I will give him healthy food, give him a bath, a comfortable place for him to sleep, and I won’t hit him.”
-Gilbert (Colombia)