Heal broken hearts appeal
Find out how we’re working with communities to heal broken hearts and improve animal welfare for working horses, donkeys and mules around the world.
At donkey care clubs, the next generation of donkey owners learn how to care for and protect their donkeys through poetry, song and dance. As their main caregivers, children are the key to a better future for working donkeys by helping to improve their welfare at home and by dispelling myths about how to treat donkeys in their communities. Together, we're transforming the lives of working animals in Kenya and around the world.
Tabitha, a pupil at Tulimani primary school, rescued Danny from a remote area in 2018 where he wasn't getting enough food and water. Since then, Danny has been well-fed and has improved in health.
Tabitha gained knowledge of how to properly take care of donkeys from the donkey care club, learning how to feed them, brush them, and call a veterinarian to treat them when needed. Tabitha knows how vital her donkeys are in helping her family earn income and carry loads.
“Sometimes there's no money to treat my donkeys. Sometimes I feel bad. There was a time that Bobby was going to die, I was feeling bad. So, I want people to help me to treat my donkeys."
Tabitha can easily spot her donkeys in a crowd because of their markings and characteristics. One of her donkeys is particularly playful in the river. Tabitha has passed on the knowledge gained at the donkey care club and taught her parents how to take care of the donkeys by ensuring they are well-fed, sheltered, and have access to green grass.
Tabitha’s favourite teacher is Madame Joseph. She admires her for her love of donkeys and how she teaches her and her classmates to care for them. Madame Joseph is also her Swahili teacher, and she enjoys learning from her. When asked about her future goals, she says she aspires to become a doctor or veterinarian to care for donkeys and prevent their mistreatment.
“When I grow up, I want to go abroad, America, everywhere, to teach them about the importance of donkeys. And they should not slaughter their donkeys because they are important."
School children learn about the importance of water, rest and shelter at donkey care clubs.
