Proudly introducing Inspire with The ARK
An inspiring initiative aimed at educating the children of Namibia about the essential needs of animals, nurturing compassion, empathy, and a sense of responsibility in the next generation.
What do we teach?
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Basic Animal Care
Feeding and Nutrition: Understanding what animals need to stay healthy, including the right food, clean water, and appropriate feeding schedules.
Shelter and Environment: How to provide safe, clean, and comfortable living conditions for animals, whether in a home, farm, or wildlife setting.
Health and Hygiene: The importance of keeping animals clean, regular grooming, and recognising signs of illness to ensure they receive proper care.
Vaccinations and Sterilisation: Explaining the importance of regular vaccinations to protect animals from diseases like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. Teaching about the benefits of sterilisation (spaying and neutering) to prevent unwanted litters and reduce the risk of certain diseases.
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Animal Welfare and Rights
Respecting Animals' Needs: Teaching children about the rights of animals, including the right to freedom from cruelty, neglect, and unnecessary suffering.
The Role of Humans in Protecting Animals: Encouraging children to become advocates for animals and to stand up against abuse, whether at home, in the community, or globally.
What to Do with Sick or Injured Animals: Recognising when an animal is unwell or hurt, and understanding the importance of contacting a veterinarian or animal caregiver for help.
Diseases to Be Aware Of: Teaching about common diseases that affect both animals and humans. This includes rabies, TVT (transmissible venereal tumor), and parasites. Discussing the importance of preventive care.
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Building Responsibility and Compassion
Empathy and Emotional Connection: Developing a deeper emotional understanding of animals and their feelings, helping children connect with animals on a compassionate level.
Building Responsibility: Teaching children how taking care of an animal requires consistent effort and responsibility, from feeding to cleaning and providing attention.
Understanding Impact of Their Actions: Helping them realise how their behaviour, whether at home, school, or in the community, can affect animals' well-being and their environment.
Minimising Animal Attacks: Educating children on how to safely approach and interact with animals to avoid being bitten or attacked. This includes reading animal body language, approaching animals calmly, and respecting their space.
Rochelle Markus
“Hello, I am Rochelle, I am 8 years old and I loved the cats and holding the puppy made me feel great! I learnt lots about animals, house pets, if they have fleas, ticks and what to do. I have a dog at home, his name is danger. I will tell people to be nice to animals. I also learnt that if you see an angry animal, they you should leave them alone otherwise they may bite. If you have an animal at home please take care of it”.
Community Outreach
We have a strong connection with the local community in Omaruru, and the launch of ‘Inspire with the ARK’ earlier this year marks a significant step forward in our mission to promote animal welfare. The program covers essential topics, including the basics of food, water, shelter and safety, alongside critical aspects of medical care such as vaccinations, sterilisation and parasite prevention.
Understanding animal behavior is a key component of the initiative. Recognising signs of fear, anxiety and stress in animals not only ensures their well-being but also promotes safe interactions between children and pets. By teaching kids how to identify these signs, Inspire with the ARK empowers them to engage with animals respectfully and knowledgeably. This understanding helps cultivate a sense of empathy, encouraging children to form meaningful relationships with their furry friends.
Our Goal
“Our goal is to inspire and educate children regarding animal welfare through Inspire with the ARK, that blends education and hands-on experiences,” said Ali Ryan from The ARK. “By fostering a sense of responsibility in young minds, we believe we are laying the groundwork for a more compassionate society, one school at a time.”
The project is steadily expanding, with a strong focus on educating local schools in Omaruru. We are currently partnering with Taking Hands Educational Centre, and have plans to extend our reach further in 2025, starting with Karabib and Usakos.
Through engaging, hands-on sessions, children not only absorb important information but also gain practical experience in safely handling animals. This immersive, experiential learning is essential for helping them internalise the core values of animal welfare.
By instilling compassion and respect for all living beings, Inspire with the ARK is becoming a beacon of hope, paving the way for a brighter, more empathetic future in Namibia.
