‘They need your love’: International Animal Day at ISOP
For many years during their childhood and adolescence, our children get up early in the morning and set off for school as if they were going to work. It is very important to teach them mathematics, languages and the fundamentals of science – everything without which it is impossible to gain entry to university and […]
For 
many years during their childhood and adolescence, our children get up early in the morning and set off for school as if they were going to work. It is very important to teach them mathematics, languages and the fundamentals of science – everything without which it is impossible to gain entry to university and receive a decent education. But it is even more important to become a well-rounded individual, a full member of society, capable of love and compassion: without this, it is difficult to be happy in our challenging world. This aspect of education is given great attention at the Paphos International School (ISOP), and the events marking World Animal Day are dedicated to fostering a love for the weak and defenceless.
This year, the celebration of World Animal Day – 4 October – fell on a Tuesday and, in keeping with school tradition, was moved to Friday: cheerful and joyful events are best organised on the eve of the weekend.
Information leaflets detailing the upcoming event were distributed to parents in advance. Representatives from the local animal welfare organisation Paphiakos & CCP Animal Welfare were invited to the gathering to mark the occasion.
This charity has been operating in Paphos since 1982, supporting government animal welfare programmes. Today, Paphiakos & CCP Animal Welfare provides a wide range of services: a shelter for stray animals, round-the-clock veterinary care, an information centre, a café and a charity shop. The organisation also carries out active community work to promote the principles of humane treatment of animals. It is worth noting that there are virtually no stray dogs in Cyprus – this is, in part, the result of the work carried out by centres such as this.
The notice about the upcoming event, which was sent to parents, included a request to make donations to Paphiakos & CCP Animal Welfare. The list of items included pasta, wet cat food, lettuce for rabbits, carrots for donkeys, biscuits and similar treats for our four-legged friends. Donations of €1 were also welcome. Furthermore, children and their parents can play an active role in the animal welfare society by becoming members. The annual membership fee is €10.
Early in the morning, the younger children and older pupils walked to school carrying gifts for the animals. First, older pupils (Years 7–13) were invited to the assembly, which traditionally took place in the school sports hall, and at the end of the school day, it was the turn of the primary school pupils. The boys and girls march solemnly to the assembly, carrying the gifts they’ve prepared: yes, they’re doing something important. A pile of bags quickly grows up by the stage.
Suddenly… a funny yapping sound catches the pupils’ attention. Two puppies are still sitting in their cage, whilst an older dog is wandering around the hall. Unfortunately, I cannot show you photos of the children’s delighted smiles. School rules are strict: photographs of children’s faces cannot be published online without their parents’ permission, so I limited myself to shots of the children from behind and wide-angle shots.
‘How on earth are the teachers going to keep order?’ I wondered. My fears proved unfounded. The pupils sat in rows on the floor, and Mrs Katerina, a representative from the animal welfare organisation, began her presentation. Of course, the Year 3 pupils – the youngest ones there (aged 7–8) – found it hard to sit still. Little by little, the boys and girls began to move closer to the fluffy little dog. Everyone wanted to stroke its shaggy back, or even have a feel of its tail.
‘Well, lad, today’s “attention” will last you a whole year!’ I joked, feeling a bit sorry for the dog. But the four-legged darling seemed to be thoroughly enjoying all the attention.
The little ones were engrossed in their game. There was no noise, but they were moving about more energetically. I cringed: the teachers were about to tell them off. The teachers did indeed decide to restore order. Here comes the history teacher – Mr Cavaye – gently urging the pupils to behave, in a whisper and with a smile. Once again, I’m amazed by the teachers’ patience and restraint. The children quieten down, and Mrs Katerina continues her talk.
This is no boring lecture. After a brief introduction to the organisation, there is a lively discussion with the pupils.
‘Who has a kitten at home?’ asks the speaker. The hands of delighted pupils shoot up. ‘And what do your pets eat?’
It then emerges that the pupils and teachers have not only cats, dogs and birds at home, but also exotic animals. The topic of conversation shifts, and Mrs Katerina talks about the animals at Paphiakos & CCP Animal Welfare. The pupils help the speaker remember what donkeys like to eat, what rabbits have for breakfast, and what horses have for dinner. The children casually mention that animals, just like people, feel pain, go hungry and get thirsty. What’s more, they feel lonely without friends and affection.
Children’s laughter accompanies a new image on the presentation screen, and the pupils applaud loudly in response to their classmate’s answer to Mrs Katerina’s question.
I gaze, spellbound, at this simple, spartanly furnished sports hall. There is no brocade or busts here, no pretentious pomp or unnecessary solemnity. They simply talk to the children about serious matters in an everyday way. It turns out it’s not that difficult. It’s so simple to love children and be loved by them in return.
The gathering is over. The hungry children rush off to their classrooms for a snack, whilst the dog lovers stay behind. They have another 5–10 minutes to cuddle the affectionate puppies. The remaining volunteers help load the collected donations onto the Paphiakos & CCP Animal Welfare lorry.
Perhaps this coming weekend the children will ask their parents to take them to the animal shelter to see real donkeys, horses and rabbits; but for now, with the help of the school administration, they have done something very important in their lives – they have helped the weak and defenceless.