Our Partner Organization, Liberia Animal Welfare & Conservation Society, uses AKI funds for their running costs: office/clinic rent US($50/month), staff salaries, transportation. This ensures that LAWCS has the staff and basic requirements to run the organization. LAWCS also uses our funds for vet supplies for their community outreach-animal care clinics. And they use AKI funds for Humane Ed supplies for their Humane Education Program for kids in Zorzor, Liberia.
Humane Ed in Liberia
The stories below, a "handful" of the many LAWCS Animal Heroes, speak for themselves about the results of the Humane Ed Program. Over the 10 years that we've supported the LAWCS Program, 1000s of kids have benefited from the lessons, and 100s have taken the lessons to heart, becoming heroes for animals in Liberia, LAWCS Animal Ambassadors.
Humane Kids in Liberia
Below are some of the recent Animal Heroes we've gotten to know.
Joseph and Good Friend
Joseph is an animal kindness ambassador who saved the life of Good Friend. His uncle was about to sell the dog to a dog meat vendor, but Joseph pleaded with his uncle using what he learned in Humane Ed class about dogs: they are meant to be our companions, they have feelings just like we do, they are loyal to their caretakers. Joseph told his uncle that instead of selling the dog, he hoped to adopt the dog and have him stay at their home. Finally, his uncle relented and Joseph took Good Friend home to be his companion.
Moses and Melo
The Humane Ed Program challenges many of the myths kids in Liberia learn about animals, including that cats are witches, dogs make the best tasting meat. Moses quickly understood that these are just stories passed from generation to generation, and he was ready to stand up and speak the truth. Moses loves to show those around him that he is not afraid of his cat Melo, she is not a witch(!) and that they have a loving relationship, they are close friends.
Dannie and Pinko
The Humane Education Program inspired Dannie to be an advocate and rescuer. Dannie believes that dogs are our best friends and cruelty toward them is very wrong. She is using the relationship with her family dog, Pinko, a rescue, to show her friends and community what kindness and compassion towards animals looks like. In her class and in her community, Dannie always speaks up for animals.
Grace and Woof
The AKI-funded Humane Education Program in Zorzor District, Lofa County is transforming the hearts of students like Grace who has developed a deep and loving bond with her dog Woof. Grace didn't always feel like this about dogs. The Humane Ed Program turned her into someone who passionately cares for all animals. According to Grace, she is responsible for feeding and caring for the family dog Woof. Second to the LAWCS Program, Grace's role in Woof's life as caretaker helped her develop the strong bond that exists between them.
Young Morris and his Kitty
Morris, born to a family that believed that cats are witches, grew up hating cats. That's what he was taught, and that's what he believed, and that's what he felt. But after just a couple of sessions of the LAWCS Humane Ed Program, his thoughts about cats were already transforming. One day, on his way from school, Morris saw a helpless kitten struggling to survive and he decided to take the cat home. It wasn't an easy sell, but Morris worked on his parents, telling them everything he learned in the LAWCS classes and begged them to let the kitten stay. It took time, but he was able to convince his parents that the kitty was not a witch, but an innocent being in need of care and kindness. His parents finally agreed, and now even they love Kitty.
Beyan and Lion
According to Beyan, his family only kept dogs for hunting, and when they were no longer able to hunt, the family sold their dogs to dog meat eaters. After Beyan participated in the LAWCS Humane Ed Program, Beyan put a stop to that practice! He educated his family and they were willing to learn from their young and enthusiastic son. Beyan and his family welcomed Lion into their home and Beyan hopes that this will be the case for their other hunting dogs, as well.
Humane Ed Builds Humane Kids in Liberia!
Friends
The LAWCS Humane Education Program, held in ten schools in Zorzor District instills in the school kids the values of love, care, kindness, and compassion for animals! Thank you to Animal-Kind International supporters for making humane ed for school kids in Liberia possible!
