Amici Cannis believes that to improve the welfare of animals and their interactions with people, a humane education program must be implemented. This should be part of a comprehensive strategy that includes access to veterinary care, advocacy, community outreach and engagement, and government collaboration - all areas that are covered by our work.

In 2023, two of our team members who have a background in education, Mary Hellman and Matias Ruiz, developed a learning program for children. This program focuses on improving the health and welfare of dogs and other animals in and around Cotacachi, Ecuador. It also fosters humane values and skills among students, teachers, and communities, and reduces the risk of bites and other unwelcome behavior that can lead to unwanted health concerns such as rabies exposure and infection.

Our pilot program surpassed our goal, reaching over 850 kids and teachers in this initial phase. In 2024, the program will target 2,500 students, their families, and neighbors, plus 75 teachers from schools and communities in and around Cotacachi. Boehringer-Ingelheim, our incredible partner, has fully funded the program, which will run for one year starting in January 2024.

“There is something very rewarding in watching the children participate and raise their hands when asked about their companion animals. They all wanted to share a story about one of their animals, and after the class was over, they gathered around Matias asking questions and wanting to learn more. I’ll never forget all those smiles and shiny, bright eyes”, said Alexandra Rothlisberger, executive director of Amici Cannis, after attending one of the classes taught in a public school in Cotacachi.  

Our program’s instructor is Matias, one of our wonderful veterinary technicians who is passionate about building a kinder future through education. Matias is currently studying pedagogy of national and foreign languages at the Universidad Técnica del Norte in Ecuador. Besides helping us at the hospital and tending to the animals in our care, Matias is the perfect candidate to teach the students.

Amici Cannis’ Be Kind program seeks to create a more compassionate Cotacachi, where animals and people have a positive and pleasant coexistence.