The Roseau Public Library hosted its annual ‘Animal Awareness Day’, on Friday 19th February 2016.
Head Librarian, Vernanda Raymond told DNO that the library was pleased to host the activity, and present animals for children to interact with, including those which they are not familiar with.
“The Library and Information Service provides information for students and informing them about animals is one thing, but to have them actually come view the animals and see them, and interact with them, is a different thing altogether,” she said. “And the Library Service prides itself in being the first on-island to take advantage of new programs; therefore, we have focused on Animal Awareness Day, and allowing the students the opportunity to actually interact with the animals, and see the animals that we have on island.”
She said the event stemmed from ‘Pet Day’, and was later revamped to include exotic animals, in order to further educate children and the public, on some of the wildlife which lives in Dominica.
“We have been doing that for a number of years. We started with ‘Pet Day’ really. Then, it has broadened into ‘Animal Awareness Day’,” Raymond noted. “So, not just the pets that you have at home that the children are familiar with, but also those that are out there. So, you’d have the agouti, we have the snake, we have the Guinea birds.”
Schools in and around Roseau were invited to the event, as well as all preschools and primary schools. An open invitation was also extended to the public.
The library staff partnered with various animal owners, as well as the Forestry and Wildlife Division, to obtain animals for exhibition.
Special thanks were given to the staff of the Roseau Public Library, and Librarian Davina Jones.
Meantime, Principal of the Beau Bois Preschool, Doreen John said that she was excited and appreciative of the opportunity, stating that it would benefit the children. She went on to state that she was not surprised to be invited to the exhibition, as the library staff maintains a good relationship with the school’s administration.
“It will, number one, develop their vocabulary, and make them really see first-hand what some of these animals look like,” she said. “We are partners with the Public Library. Every year, whether they have an animal exhibition or not, we always make it a point of duty to visit the Public Library, even if is for story, and to get them involved in the books.”
Animals do transmit diseases to people. White folks kiss their dogs in their mouth, and animals sleep on their beds. Don’t get caught up in that mess. Love you pets but keep them at bay.
Good idea, especially to teach children love of animals. Note that all the animals should be treated humanely! Not to rain on the parade, but the horse looks a bit underfed. Organizers, Please ensure the animals are examined with a qualified vet or rep from DHS with the owner present, before accepting for the program.
Next they need to teach the children respect for the animals and how to care for them properly.
NO MANICOU OR AGOUTI.
It had both of the mentioned animals there… they came later.