CIWF Events
Humane Education: a compassionate ethic for animals
Compassion in World Farming (Oceania) hosted a very successful inaugural national Australian Symposium on humane education at Griffith University's Nathan (Brisbane) Campus, on 5 and 6 October this year, in partnership with Griffith University's Centre for Public Culture and Ideas (CPCI).
The generosity of Sydney (Australia) based Voiceless, the fund for animals, enabled the forum.
Humane Education: a compassionate ethic for animals attracted some 80 delegates from across education and across the nation - including practising teachers, lecturers, trainee teachers and tertiary students, together with parent bodies, government and animal welfare sectors.
A diverse programme covered the practical application of humane education in the primary and secondary school sector in Australia. Aspects explored in discussions include teacher training and curriculum development, Schools Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) representation, Values Education, education in agricultural, veterinary and social science. Sessions dealt with current issues and looked to future developments across the various fields.
Professor Terry Lovat, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education and Arts) of Newcastle (NSW) University, delivered the Keynote Address. Prof Lovat spoke of the impact of Values Education on all aspects of schooling, including academic development and the wider impact on personal, social and emotional growth as precursors to moral integrity. He then explained how these perspectives set the scene for consideration of moral attitudes and action directed at all forms of animate and inanimate life.
CIWF's Education Officer Phil Brooke travelled to Australia to speak of his own personal and professional experience in the field of humane education, and the context in UK and Europe. SAFE NZ Education Nichola Kriek outlined developments in New Zealand. Other speakers and delegates travelled vast distances within Australia to attend.
For further details, please see speaker biographies, abstracts and the presentations.
Co-convenor of the forum, CIWF's Oceania Regional Representative Carole de Fraga said
"The response to the symposium was overwhelmingly enthusiastic, by speakers and delegates alike. The event was obviously one whose time had come; it brought together people of like minds from different sectors of society and we now have the very rewarding task of coordinating outcomes from the forum to ensure vital contacts are maintained, initiatives encouraged and ideas galvanised.
Education provides the most promising means of profound and long-lasting change in attitude towards the compassionate treatment of all sentient beings and our symposium is a very positive step along this path. Once again, we have Voiceless to thank for recognising the potential of humane education for extending the circle of compassion and enabling this wonderful initiative."