About FCAW for Teachers
Humane Education (HE) is a concept that encompasses all forms of education about social justice, citizenship, environmental issues, the welfare of animals and their care. HE is unique in that it recognises the interdependence of all living things.
Animal welfare education (AWE) fits nicely as a component of humane education. AWE is a process which promotes knowledge, skills, understanding and attitudes related to our involvement in the lives of animals, the effects this has on their ability to satisfy their needs, and the responsibility this places on us.
The WSPA-initiated First Concepts in Animal Welfare: for teachers (FCAW) programme focuses on giving children in the 5-16 age range the opportunity to learn about animal welfare
Aim of the FCAW for Teachers Programme
To integrate animal welfare education into the official school curriculum by:
- Using high quality educational resources and services already available from WSPA and other organisations
- Establishing standards of good practice
- Promoting the professional development and training of classroom teachers in animal welfare education
- Promoting and developing animal welfare education internationally through partnerships.
Professional animal welfare education includes sound content and teaching methodology. The FCAW programme encourages and uses educational research and development, and recognises that effective curriculum innovation takes place when teachers are supported through professional development.
Learn how you can join the global Animal Welfare Education Forum (AWEF) >>
About the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA)
The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) works in partnership with more than 880 Member Societies in 152 countries. With headquarters in London UK, and 13 other offices worldwide, WSPA works to alleviate animal suffering through hands-on work, educational initiatives, lobbying and awareness campaigns. We have worked tirelessly for the past 25 years to protect some of the planet's most vulnerable animals from cruelty.
WSPA supports specific projects to provide sanctuary for animals, bring veterinary care to remote parts of the world, run education programmes and help people in developing countries look after their livestock and companion animals. We also support Member Societies campaign to persuade governments to introduce new animal welfare measures and stop cruel practices.
WSPA believes in establishing strong multinational partnerships with other animal welfare groups and governmental organisations so that all those who care about animals can make the maximum impact by working together.
Learn more about WSPA’s work worldwide >>
WSPA Education
A sentient animal is one that can experience pleasure, pain and suffering.
As humans we share this planet with other living beings. When we intervene in the lives of animals we have a responsibility not to compromise their welfare.
- These are the most important messages to get across when reaching out to educate people about animal welfare.
Animal welfare is crucial to people and the environment on a global scale.
WSPA’s educational aims are to encourage and assist the teaching and learning of:
- compassion, empathy and a sense of justice
- respect for animals, and their welfare
- responsibility for our actions
People can learn to take responsibility to improve the lives of animals, and share that knowledge with their families and communities.
Animal Rights versus Animal Welfare – Rutgers factsheet, by Dr Larry S Katz, Sr. Associate Director, NJAES, Director, Cooperative Extension. To access this factsheet please follow this link. (Please note, the factsheet may be copied for educational purposes only by not-for-profit agencies/organizations and/or accredited educational institutions.)
Animal welfare at veterinary faculties
WSPA believes that veterinarians play a major role in directly improving animal welfare through their own actions and by influencing others, however, there is scope to develop animal welfare and ethics content in veterinary curricula. The Concepts in Animal Welfare (CAW) syllabus on CD ROM was developed with the School of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol in 2003 and has been revised in 2007.
To learn more about the 'Concepts' syllabus for veterinarians click here >>
Governmental and International Agencies’ Statements on Animal Welfare
- FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN) Livestock and Animal Health
- DEFRA - Animal Welfare Content
