Daijiworld Media Network - Kasargod
Kasargod, Apr 5: In a heartwarming endeavor to cultivate empathy and proactive care, 120 school children in Kasargod participated in a two-day workshop focused on safeguarding animals during periods of intense heat.
The 'Heatwave Preparedness for Animals' workshop, held at Padanna Kadappuram HSS School, was a collaborative initiative by Humane World for Animals India (formerly Humane Society International India) and the Valiyaparamba Grama Panchayat.
Nayana Scaria, Coordinator of Disaster Preparedness, Response and Relief at Humane World for Animals India, guided the children through simple yet vital measures to protect animals from heat stress. These included providing accessible outdoor water sources, creating shaded retreats, and avoiding walks with pets on scorching pavements.
Engaging interactive sessions, incorporating skits, visual narratives, and poster-making activities, empowered the students to recognize the signs of heat distress in animals and learn effective response strategies. Volunteer artists from across Kerala contributed their talents by assisting the children in creating impactful posters conveying the workshop's key messages.
With Kerala experiencing soaring temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius and a heat alert issued by the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority as early as February, the timing of the workshop held significant importance.
“While the impact of extreme heat on humans is widely acknowledged, animals often endure the suffering silently, lacking adequate care or support,” emphasized Scaria. “This initiative aims to cultivate compassionate citizens from a young age. Through enjoyable and interactive sessions, we are fostering a disaster-resilient community that extends its protection to both people and animals in the face of climate-related challenges.”
Valiyaparamba Grama Panchayat president V.V. Sajeevan echoed this sentiment, stating, “While we instinctively use umbrellas to shield ourselves from the sun, we often overlook the needs of the birds and animals around us. This programme, through the engaging mediums of storytelling, music, and art, not only educates young minds but also sets a powerful example of compassion and responsibility for the entire community.”
Humane World for Animals India has been actively working in Kerala for the past seven years, dedicated to enhancing the state's disaster resilience for both human and animal populations. Their comprehensive efforts encompass disaster preparedness, response, and relief, equipping local authorities and communities with the necessary tools to safeguard animals during times of crisis. The organization's significant role in the 2024 Wayanad landslides, where they spearheaded a major animal rescue operation saving over 200 lives, stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to animal welfare during emergencies.