By Shakela Brown, Humane Educational Outreach Program Manager
The second graders I work with never cease to amaze me. During one visit, their teacher showed me their lesson on hopes and dreams in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
One student’s project stood out to me, because I knew I could help this student achieve their
dream.
"My hope and dream is to learn how to take care of animals in need,” read the poster. As the Humane Education Manager for the Washington Humane Society (WHS), I was so happy to see this interest in a young child.
After the class ended,
I thought more about the picture. It had
a huge impact on me and reminded me of Dr. King and his “I Have a Dream”
speech. His speech has been used by many
to discuss equality and fair treatment for all.
My passion is people and animals, so his “fair treatment for all”
message should also include animals.
I thought about the student, the project, and Dr. King, and I began to see a bigger picture. While this student learns to help animals, he will pass his knowledge to others, and the awareness for fair treatment for animals will grow. My hope is that his dream will affect many people and save animals. The WHS Humane Education program will help this second grader's dream come true.
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically,” said Dr. King in his "Purpose of Education" speech. “Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.”
This quote is very meaningful to me. A person’s character can help them through their journey to success. Humane Education teaches character building, critical thinking, social skills, and life skills related to animals and people. Many students want to help animals, and as they grow and learn, they will see the bigger picture, too. It’s about helping and respecting ALL life.
As we remember and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr., I believe that it is our duty to continue to work for the benefit of all people and animals.
Interested in learning more about the WHS Humane Education Program? Contact Shakela Brown at 202-723-5730 X 133 or sbrown@washhumane.org.
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