Students of Aditya Birla Higher Secondary School, Junagadh, Gujarat, participate in a debate, organised as part of IFAW's Animal Action Week 2008

IFAW Animal Action Week reaches a million in India

New Delhi, October 14, 2008: At least a million students from 2000 schools in India are expected to participate in this year's IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) Animal Action Week (AAW) with the theme "Beneath the Waves – Protecting Marine Wildlife". Organised by Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), IFAW's partner in India, the AAW this year aims to educate, sensitise and raise awareness of children on marine wildlife and their habitat, and threats faced by them. It also examines the relationship between the oceans and survival of humans, and explores how learning about the oceans aid in protecting marine wildlife. AAW-2008 is endorsed by Leonardo DiCaprio, Hollywood celebrity and environmentalist, who also kick-started the event internationally on October 6.

"The world's ocean and marine wildlife are one of our Earth's most valuable treasures, yet today they face more threats than ever before," said DiCaprio, an Honorary IFAW Board Member. "It's our responsibility to protect this vital ecosystem and the animals that live there if we want to leave a better world for future generations. Together we can set an example for the rest of the world in protecting the ocean and marine wildlife. Our individual actions and the life style choices we make really matter. The hope is you," he added.

Animal Action Week is an international initiative that IFAW runs simultaneously in 18 countries, making it the largest animal-focussed educational activity in the world. It is conducted with a selected globally common theme, during the first week of October to coincide with the Wildlife Week. However, "many get involved long before — and continue their efforts long after — the official week," say the organisers.

Each year, Animal Action Week offers an exciting activity pack for Classes 6-9.  This can be adapted for varied classroom use – from science and environment lessons to drama and writing. Each pack comprises an informative booklet, a pledge form and a video cd on the theme as well as an instructional sheet to organise an outdoor conservation activity. This is made available to all schools free of cost. 

The activities this year include a quiz programme, passage writing on marine species, debate on animal welfare issues, pledge collection against plastic use and an outdoor, public activity of 'pick-up plastic'. National level poster making and slogan writing competitions will also be held; the two best entries from across India will be awarded the prestigious IFAW Young Achiever's Award during the Animal Action Award ceremony to be held on February 19, 2009.

AAW was initiated in India in 2003 by IFAW and WTI. With the theme 'Protecting the Last Elephants', AAW-2003 was localised in schools on the periphery of Rajaji National Park. Since then, however, it has grown bigger, involving more schools and students each year.  Last year's AAW, with the theme 'To the Rescue', had drawn involvement of more than half million students from across India. The participation looks likely to exceed a million this year. 

The marked increase in participation, the organisers say, is due to the expanded outreach this year; students in district level schools across rural India have been included by collaborating with regional non-government organisations (NGOs) and also by translating the AAW material into Hindi.

"This year we have made several strategic changes to increase the participation. In addition to the schools listed in our database, we also approached more than 350 NGOs to help us reach more students especially in rural areas," said John Kunju of the Awareness for Conservation programme of WTI. 

"Furthermore, earlier the activity packs were available only in English, limiting the AAW mostly to English medium schools in urban areas. This year, even students who are not instructed in English can participate as the material is available in Hindi," John added.

WTI is also distributing copies of Hindi and Malayalam versions of 'A Field Guide to Indian Mammals' written by Vivek Menon, Executive Director, WTI, in participating schools at the district level especially those fringing forest areas. "This addition in AAW-2008 in India, will help interested students learn more about wild animals in their region," explained John.

Photos: WTI