7 minute read
The Humane Global Network: Education & Animal Protection
Chiemeka Chiedozie is the founder of the Humane Global Network, a World Renowned Animal Rights Activist, Humane Educator, Environmentalist, Plant-Based Treaty Expert, and a Television Personality on Animal Rights, based in Lagos Nigeria.
I have been vegan for a while now. Being a vegan has really opened my eyes to living a healthy lifestyle... The reason for being a vegan is not just for the sake of religion but for the sake of health. Though, it is very difficult here, I try my best... I became ‘more’ into it recently when my dog was lynched and mudered in cold blood by my house owner.
And what work do you do currently?
What I do is promote animal welfare in schools and campain for animal rights on the television, as well as oganising talks to the kids on a plant-based lifestyle.
There is a big focus on education for kids – tell us more.
Yes we have a big focus on humane education in schools. I started the adventure in 2010 and I have been to over 200 schools in that time. Since its inception in 2010, The Humane Global Network has witnessed growth as a result of humane education in schools, both private and public schools at local, state and federal levels.
We have partnered with different organizations in Nigeria, not only African but from all over the world. We have attended conferences by ANAW - Africa Network for Animal Welfare as members. ANAW are an NGO that is accredited by the United Nations.
In the ten years of its existence, The Humane Global Network has made a very good contribution to humane education, increasing awareness in schools in Nigeria and beyond and in advocating for animals rights in Africa - especially in Nigeria - by speaking about it in the media.
Through our partnership s with ANAW – The Africa Network For Animal Welfare, Humane Education Coalition, Global Alliance for Rabies Control, The Humane Global Network USA, Animal Care Council of Liberia, West Africa Centre for Animal Protection, & the Ghana and Rwanda Animal Welfare Organization, we have been able to realize that addressing animal rights and teaching is the only way to bring the world together, ultimately to make it a better place to live in.
We believe that Humane Global Network is making a tremendous difference in the lives of many animals and people. Currently, my organization is one of the only organizations in Nigeria that has been providing humane education to the public. The need for education on animal welfare in Nigeria is pertinent.
We believe that education is key to ending animal cruelty and creating a just and caring society where animal and human welfare matter. Education is a critical element in preparing a generation of animal lovers, & increasing community responsiveness to animal welfare issues.
Education also helps to tackle the inhumane treatment of animals at abattoirs, educate the general population on animal welfare, and to change attitudes and practices towards humane treatment of animals. We believe that this message is best shared with children.
The message not only stays with them all their lives but they in turn share it among the rest of the family and community members. This means creating a whole new generation with a mindset that is compassionate to animals. If the next generation develops compassion and respect for animals and they are prepared to care for them in a responsible way, then surely the incidents of animal suffering will diminish in the long-run.
Is there a big rise in plant-based options currently?
Yes there is a big improvement now and rise in plantbased options. Most of the kids are now beginning to consider eating plant-based diets. These are recent changes, I believe due to the awareness we provide in schools on the benefits of plant-based diets. I also aim to inform the kids in their schools that plant-based is far more sustainable because it uses significantly fewer natural resources and puts far less pressure on the environment.
Tell us a little more about what drives you - is it compassion for animals? The environment? Health?
The whole driving force is compassion... For the welfare of animals. I know too well that many animals suffer in factories, farms, laboratories as they are processed for nourishment, experiments, cleaning products and cosmetics and so on.
Since a significant percentage of humans depend on animals, I have come to realise that these animals are kept under deplorable conditions, often dragging themselves through their own excreta, left to suffer horrible untreated wounds, hunger, ear infections among other afflictions.
I have a passion too for the environment because I know a clean environment is essential for healthy living: The more we don’t care about our environment, the more it will become polluted with contaminants and toxins that have a harmful impact on our health.
Tell us more about some of the other organisations working for animals in Nigeria.
At the moment, there are some organizations working for animals that I am familiar with. They are:
- DOGMAN PET WORLD
- Nigeria Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals [NSPCA]
- Animal Protection Organization of Nigeria
Do you have any support from within Nigeria? From any Government office or Charitable foundation funding?
I do not have any support in Nigeria even from the Government or any Charitable Organization... I have been the one financing my projects with the help of friends and family. We hope that some day our country will begin to support animal welfare initiatives.
How about from outside Nigeria – any help?
Yes I must specially thank, Paul Darwin Picklesimer and Monica Tmartella, of Direct Action Everywhere USA, Jenna Miles, Canada, Viviane from the USA, Animal Save Movement which I am their Animal Save Cordinator in Lagos Nigeria.
and especially Lisa Karlskin, PEPINO PROJECT, my Partner in the states who has been of great help in many areas for animal welfare. She has been very consistent ever since I met her in making sure humane education becomes the ultimate in advancing change in this modern world. These people have been of help to me in terms of donation and support.
What are your plans for the coming year or so?
My forthcoming plans are to make a documentary on animals, plant-based lifesyles and the environment which will be submitted to American film festivals. I am currently working with some animal activists like Lisa Karlskin and Roy Krymis to make this work... Another plan I have again is to embark on the Africa Wildlife Tour. My poster already is on the internet such as Facebook. My aim is to reach about four countries in Africa with the aim to end animal abuse, promote plant- based lifestyles and educate on environmental concerns and animal welfare.
And the next decade? What would you hope to achieve?
In the coming decades, I hope to create a caring and socially responsible environment where animals and people live in harmony with a focus on setting up an animal park and shelter. To focus on improving animal welfare education.
This is the way forward to ending animal cruelty. We will generate enough resources to meet its current and future needs. We will work with stakeholders across the globe to effectively implement most of our policies.
And finally – we always want to know – your fave vegan food!
My favourite vegan food is vegan vegetable Lo Mein.
Find out more about Global Humane Network on their website & Facebook pages.
http://humaneglobalnetwork.com.ng/
https://www.facebook.com/Humane-Global-Network-479089482461253/
