The La Laguna City Council, through the Department of Education and Youth, has announced the initiation of an innovative educational programme aimed at fostering respect and animal welfare among the schoolchildren in the municipality, using horses as a medium. These animals are affiliated with the Equine Sentido Animal Protection Association and School in Nature, which is a collaborator on this initiative that will reach out to all 27 schools in the municipality this year.
This initiative forms part of the scheduled supplementary educational activities promoted by the city council during school hours, with the primary goal of “enhancing the awareness of young Lagunera about responsible pet ownership and environmental stewardship through interaction with horses,” as stated by the area councillor, Sergio Eiroa.
“We sought an engaging activity for the little ones that could foster an understanding from a young age about the significance of caring for animals,” remarked the mayor, adding that, “through this project, various school visits will be arranged for students, guided to the farm where the aforementioned animal shelter operates, situated in El Ortigal, allowing children direct interaction with the horses, where they can enjoy the experience and form a relationship founded on respect and presence.”
Eiroa visited the facilities to partake in a school visit day and witness first-hand the efforts of the team of volunteers who assist in caring for the horses and partake in different activities conducted by the association. During the meeting, project leader Patricia Segredo expressed gratitude for the municipal support in “maintaining this initiative that benefits both the horses and the individuals and communities involved in the association’s projects.”
Students will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of outdoor activities, learning about the natural behaviours of horses, their needs, and the care they require through safe and respectful interactions, all under the supervision of a team of therapists and trained volunteers.
Domingo Galván, the Councilor for Animal Welfare, acknowledged the vital work performed by animal shelters like Equino Sentido in the rescue and protection of horses across various islands, praising their operations on farms in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and La Gomera, where they provide safe havens for rescued horses.
Eiroa concluded by reiterating the aim of “continuing to integrate initiatives like this into educational institutions so that an increasing number of young people may benefit from this direct relationship with nature and animals.”
