PYP 3 access the local environment to enhance their understanding of their Unit concepts

PYP 3 access the local environment to enhance their understanding of their Unit concepts

To inquire further into the ongoing unit of ‘How we organise ourselves’, the students of PYP 3 went on a field visit to an charitable  animal organisation, ResQ. Spread across a hillock towards the outskirts of Pune, ResQ boasts of a large area dedicated to four legged friends.

With the noble endeavour of helping and rehabilitating animals, it is run by people who strive to make a difference in the local community.

The representatives of ResQ stressed the motto of reducing human and animal conflict, and we all agree they are doing a brilliant job!

The students were welcomed into the centre with a combination of animal sounds, and were taken for a quick presentation and briefing. Our hosts,Tanya and Jessica interacted with the students, offering a clear description about their objectives, and measures that can be taken to live harmoniously with animals. A safety game was played to ensure the children are aware of what to do when confronted by an animal, especially an untamed one. This was followed by a question-answer session where students inquired into the working of the organisation. They were able to comprehend how the organisation has been formed to solve an issue, and how each individual’s role is interconnected,  and how this makes it possible for the organisation to work smoothly.

The tour around ResQ Headquarters was an enriching experience, where children were taken around the medical facility centre, followed by a tour around the enclosures for dogs, cattle, donkeys, pigs, and horses. Although heart wrenching to see some in pain, it was reassuring that they were now in good hands, as the staff was busy tending to the ‘patients’ in need of love and attention.

The concerned faces of the children showed their empathy for animals, and they went over to place a gentle and comforting hand. This experience facilitated student’s understanding of our central idea of “how organisations have been created to solve issues”. It also gave students an opportunity to reflect how as global citizens, we have the responsibility of solving problems, and that even a small step can make a difference!