Education 

THE GILES HOWARD MEMORIAL EDUCATION CENTRE

The JSPCA Animals' Shelter Giles Howard Memorial Education Centre was opened on 29th June, 1996, by Sir Philip Bailhache.  It plays a vital role in introducing children to animals and teaching them the importance of caring for and respecting both pets and wildlife.  It is widely recognised that education about animal welfare from a young age is imperative to the improvement of attitudes towards the treatment of animals, which, in turn, is fundamentally important in the prevention of cruelty to animals. 

The Education Centre has been steadily developed since its opening works in close conjunction with the Jersey’s schools and has developed a number of carefully crafted workshops that support the curriculum.  Workshops are designed to be as practically based as possible and can be adapted for all age groups.  For example, the popular 'minibeast' workshops incorporate the JSPCA Animals' Shelter Nature Trail, which is located behind the Education Centre and is a haven for local species of plants and wildlife, making it an ideal environment for the teaching about local ‘flora and fauna’.  

In addition to the provision of workshops for schools, the Shelter liases with schools and individuals to provide work experience placements for students.  The Shelter provides placements for the Project Trident Scheme and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, amongst others, as well as offering the opportunity for individuals to gain experience in working with animals.  An application form for student volunteers can be obtained from the JSPCA Animals' Shelter or by clicking on the following picture:

CHILDREN'S PARTIES

The JSPCA Animals' Shelter introduced the hosting of children’s parties two years ago.  These parties are extremely popular and enjoyable, as well as having the added benefit of teaching children, who may not otherwise get the opportunity to visit the Shelter, about the importance of caring for animals.  

A new feature is the "Animal Club", for pre-school children, children aged between 5 - 7 years of age and children of 8 - 11 years of age.  Members of this club will be able to attend workshops, which will give the children the opportunity to learn about pets, birds and wildlife.  

For further details about children's parties at the JSPCA Animals' Shelter, please contact the Animals' Shelter on 724331.

HELPING THE COMMUNITY    

The Education Department’s scope extends far out into the general community of Jersey.  The Education Officers are only too pleased to visit groups of adults, whether they wish to learn more about the Shelter or simply handle animals as a means of relaxation therapy.  

STAFF TRAINING

The Education Department is also responsible for the development and organisation of all of the on-site staff training.  The JSPCA Animals' Shelter is committed to ensuring that every staff member receives training of the highest standard in order that they may carry out their jobs as safely and efficiently as possible.  All Shelter staff are given the opportunity to attend in-house training sessions, which cover a wide variety of relevant and important topics.