2 minute read
Inspiring Kindness
from Cambs October 2020
by Villager Mag
One of the key values that has enveloped the country during lockdown is kindness. Kindness in all of its forms, to all people. Acts of kindness towards our neighbours, strangers and loved ones have rippled across the country, gaining momentum, gathering energy. As we ease our way out of lockdown and into the ‘new normal’ we are invited to continue with this mindset. Being kind even has its own hashtag, its own branded t-shirts. But how does the RSPCA promote kindness? The RSPCA have been inspiring kindness amongst young people for decades, working alongside teachers, parents and youth justice professionals. With a wide range of free lesson plans and accompanying resources, we work in partnership with hundreds of schools nationwide. Through the ‘Generation Kind’ project, we are ramping up our efforts to inspire kindness in the classroom. It is important for children to learn about animal welfare from a young age. ‘The Great Debate’ project gives young people an exciting forum to understand all aspects of animal welfare and the importance of participating in political processes. Children enjoying healthy relationships with animals and is something the RSPCA help to promote in schools via the ‘Compassionate Class’ programme. Through our education work we can help children and young people to develop empathy and compassion for all living beings. We have found that talks in school assemblies are an engaging way to inspire a
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future generation. Our volunteer speakers are often retired teachers. These sessions can be booked by primary schools across England and Wales. “When this generation of children get older, they’ll be far more empathetic towards the needs of animals and they’ll be more willing to contact the RSPCA when they suspect that an animal is being mistreated. Our hope is that this will reduce animal suffering for generations to come.” David Allen, RSPCA, Head of Prevention and Education Tips for Fostering a Love of Animals 1) Explore the great outdoors. Take time to observe animals in the wild. Look under rocks to find centipedes and wood lice. Watch how squirrels interact with each other. Sit as still as possible and see what wildlife you can see and hear. 2) Become a member of your local library. Promote an interest in all animals by reading books about them. 3) Have the opportunity to be responsible for caring for an animal. This could be a class pet, a family pet or helping a neighbour with their animals. 4) Visit a local animal shelter. They are great places to get close to animals and learn more about how to protect them. It is easy to assume that all children will naturally be kind and loving to animals. It is something that needs to be taught, nurtured and modelled. As with adults. Not everyone has an instinct for being gentle and compassionate towards animals. Encouraging young people to respect animal habitats is also included in the work we do with schools. By protecting the environment you are also protecting animals.
