Ever since he joined the school 15 years ago, Jose Luis Ayala Larios, director of the Mezcala Secundaria Tecnica 70, has been quietly fostering respect for animals among his students by allowing street dogs on to the grounds.
The school is currently home to six adult dogs and a puppy, each of them named after a character in the “Star Wars” movies.
Whereas at other schools, dogs that wander onto the premises looking for food or shelter are driven away by having sticks and rocks thrown at them, teachers, staff and students at the Mezcala secondary school welcome a lonely dog or puppy that has been lost, abandoned or abused, showing it respect and kindness. If that in itself is not unique for any school, it is especially so in poor rural towns and villages where mistreatment of animals is not uncommon.When Ayala Larios heard about the Respect for Animals program of ARDAT (Ajijic Rotary Dog Assisted Therapy), he invited program director Julianna Rose and coordinator Cinthia de Gortari to give a presentation in his school.
So on October 14, veteran therapy dog Olivia, who has worked in schools for the past three years, said hello to as many as 190 students in two separate sessions. Students were shown videos, given exercises and allowed to interact with Olivia, who stayed totally calm and relaxed while the 12-15 year-olds touched, petted and shook hands with her.
Ayala Larios said he was delighted with the response and enthusiasm of the students and staff. As a result, a program will be conducted at the school – which currently has 509 students enrolled – within the next few months in the form of monthly sessions.
He told the ARDAT team that his motto to his students is, “If you protect dogs and are kind to them, they will pay you back by protecting you and helping you in your future life.”
Humane education is increasingly becoming an important part of Mexico’s school curriculum. The idea is that by teaching young children respect for animals and the environment, they will also learn respect for each other. Helping children to become more caring and compassionate prevents behavior problems, violence and bullying, experts say.
ARDAT is an ongoing community program of the Rotary Club of Ajijic. For more information call Rose at 376 766-5025 or visit www.rotaryajijic.org.