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October 7th - 10 am PT/1pm ET From Curiosity to Care: How Animal Welfare Clubs Inspire Action Presented by Dr. Brenda Oliwa Okumu, PhD In Kenya, children often grow up near abundant wildlife yet have little formal education about animals and their role in ecosystems. This presentation will discuss a study that explored how a training program designed for primary school children influenced their knowledge, attitudes, and behavior toward animals inside and outside their local community. Before the program, many students viewed animals, especially hyenas and snakes, as dangerous or without value. Through engaging lessons, stories about local wildlife and domestic animals, and tree planting activities, the training helped children learn about the ecological and cultural value of animals. The findings show students expressing empathy, interest in conservation, and a willingness to protect animals, compared with peers who did not take part in the program. This shift suggests that culturally relevant education can foster respect for animals and support long term conservation efforts across Africa. |
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Dr. Brenda Oliwa Okumu, PhD is the Director of Research, Planning, and Evaluation at the Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW). She holds a doctorate in Educational Psychology from Kenyatta University and has over ten years of experience in the education and development sectors. She coordinates the Africa Conservation Education Fund (ACEF) at ANAW. Her current research focuses on how educational interventions can change knowledge, behavior, and attitudes toward animals while promoting pro environmental behavior. Through her work, she aims to develop a generation of informed, compassionate advocates for animal welfare and environmental sustainability.
Registration link coming soon!