Several young people will take part in a volunteer program to care for animals under a contract signed between the municipal enterprise "Animal Supervision and Protection" and the City Centre of Young Naturalists. The youngsters will help walk the animals and sanitize the shelters without pay.
Asked by IPN, Cezara Cornieco, director of the City Centre of Young Naturalists, explained that this activity is part of the "Green gate spring" project, organized during the spring break, and aims to familiarize students with lesser known professions such as animal caretakers. It also aims to develop children's sense of responsibility, empathy and teamwork skills.
For the safety of the volunteers, each group will be trained before interacting with the animals. Children and young people who have allergies or a fear of animals will be assigned to other activities, such as volunteering in a library.
The project involves 100 students, organized in five groups, guided by facilitators and specialists. Over five days, the children will take part in educational activities and excursions to discover different trades.
Organizers say the experience will give the pupils practical knowledge and also help them understand the importance of responsibility towards animals and the choices they make. Students will also have the opportunity to discover and explore different professions, and through the activities they will learn to collaborate and work in a team, which are essential for their development as active and responsible citizens in society.
