HUMAN EDUCATION
Humane education is defined as the teaching of compassion and respect related to animal welfare, environmental, and social justice issues. It works to makes the acquisition of relevant knowledge, skills, and commitment to live ethically, sustainably, and peaceably the very purpose of education. It does this by infusing the curricula at all levels of education with meaningful information, inspiration, and tools for creating a safe and humane world for all(Selby,
1995
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[1] Humane education examines the challenges facing the planet, including human oppression and animal exploitation as well as materialism and ecological degradation. It explores how individuals might live with compassion and respect for all living beings. The focus on citizenship makes humane education exceedingly compatible with other educational theories and models of reform, including service-learning and character and democratic education which all promote personal and global responsibility.(Itle-Clark)[2] Humane education helps build and model empathy as well as promote higher order thinking skills related to cause and effect of actions; the connections between both personal and cultural choices and the fate of other people, other species, and the Earth, and responsibility for creating a better world. Humane education achieves these goals by incorporating affective
connections to cognitive learning (Piaget, 1963). Humane education promotes empathy and compassion towards all species. Humane education is mandated in many schools across the United States. “Humane education is long term life insurance for the animals and the planet” states, Susan Hargreaves, with HumaneEducators.com Beatrix Potter was one of the first humane educators, her books fostered empathy, and her travels around the United Kingdom helped ban the use of the cruel,leg hold trap. The importance of childhood instruction has been noted since the time of John Locke. In 1693 Locke made a prominent statement of the need to correct the cruelty of children. The birth of humane education as a national effort dates back to the late 19th century with the work done by George Angell and the formation of The Bands of Mercy and the MSPCA after he became familiar with the RSPCA. Another important event in humane education occurred in 1915. In that year, “Be Kind to Animals Week” was inspired Dr. William O’Stillman, leader of the American Humane Association. AHA’s primary goals were: visiting local schools to promote the development of humane education and publicizing the good works of the nation’s humane societies.(Unti, DeRosa)[3] Be an Animal Hero is a free DVD provided to schools across the world that promotes kind, thoughtful