Last week, students of German International School at Palavakkam nursed two injured pigeons to good health. These birds had fallen off the trees at the premises.
Following their recovery, the birds were allowed to fly away. This is only one of many such rescues carried out by these children.
There are two dogs at the school, which had been rescued from the Palavakkam beach, where they were found abandoned. Having been pecked by crows, one of the dogs was badly injured at the time of the rescue. There is a goat at the school, which was bought from a butcher’s shop. “Whenever we come across any injured animals, we call these children. They are allowed to watch first-aid being administered to such animals. Every day, children are allowed to play with the dogs and the goat and other domesticated animals on the campus during the first and last hour. We believe compassion is an essential feature of a civilised society. We believe this is the best way to make children understand the need for it,” says Sandhya Mohan, manager at the school.
“Our institution is inclusive, having children with Down’s Syndrome and poor attention spans. Allowing such children to take care of pets is therapeutic, helping them to develop their emotional and social quotient,” says Sandhya, who is also an active member of the Blue Cross.
“The animals under necessary vaccinations, are well-groomed and trained to be companions,” she says.
