Ajijic Rotary Dog Assisted Therapy (ARDAT) dog Lucas and his handler, Sergio Barajas, recently visited a group of excited students at the Basilio Vadillo school in downtown Ajijic.
The visit was part of the launch of the Humane Education Alliance (HEA) program to be conducted in 52 Jalisco schools next year. The program started in October at ten schools in Chapala, Ajijic, Jocotepec, San Juan Cosala and La Barca.
HEA is designed to help children develop a greater sense of self-worth, learn to think critically, and by extension install in them sensitivity, respect and responsibility toward their peers, other living beings and the environment.
Barajas’ and Lucas’ visit to the Ajijic school also helped students understand the responsibilities associated with owning animals and demonstrated that teaching dog obedience and good behavior is far from difficult. At the end of the visit the students asked for Lucas to be given a gold medal.Teachers who were asked to fill out an evaluation form during the six weeks of the program so far responded positively. One noted that it could serve as “an important tool in violence prevention,” while another called the program “an innovative approach to the balance between children welfare, animal welfare and the environment.”
The Rotary Club of Ajijic and the HEA are looking for continuous sponsors to help this unique, interactive classroom-based program continue.
For more information about the HEA, ARDAT or the Rotary Club of Ajijic, call 766-5025 or visit www.rotaryajijic.org.