RSPCA Victoria's Education team is providing several engaging solutions for keeping kids entertained but still learning during lockdown. In addition to live online classes streamed from the RSPCA Victoria barn where children learn about all creatures great and small including farm animals and small pets, RSPCA offers the free AWARE program. It's all about Animal Wellbeing: Awareness, Responsibility, and Education and accessible by everyone, anywhere.
AWARE is a free, online educational resource library for educators, students and parents that improves animal welfare knowledge while supporting learning outcomes outlined in the Victorian Curriculum.
While Victorian children living in metropolitan Melbourne remain in remote learning due to the COVID-19 restrictions, AWARE offers resources for educators, students and parents to assist with educating young people about animal welfare. The key learnings can be applied to wildlife, companion animals and animals farmed for food or fibre.
RSPCA Victoria supports animal welfare education as the key to creating lasting change. The aim of AWARE is to help young people develop responsible and caring behaviour toward animals, preventing animal cruelty and neglect in the future.
While many children have pets at home, a significant number of children don't have regular interaction with animals so animal welfare education plays an integral role in creating a kinder future for all animals.
RSPCA Victoria's Education and Training Manager, Belinda Marchbank, said AWARE provides simple yet effective tools to help educate children about animal welfare.
"We know that teachers, parents and children need support with activities and resources while the COVID-19 restrictions keep Victorian children in remote learning.
"While Victorian children are having to adapt to a new type of learning, RSPCA is supporting parents and teachers alike by providing additional tools that create entertaining learning pathways.
"AWARE provides engaging lesson plans and information that will assist in educating the next generation about what good animal welfare includes," said Belinda.
AWARE offers information portals for teachers and students, a guide for students working on animal welfare-related projects and guides to looking after a selection of the most commonly owned domestic pets.
To view the AWARE program, visit www.rspcavic.org/aware
