Paw Patrol: Kenya Youth Rangers

Things may be quiet around the world, but behind the scenes we’re as busy as ever. As you all know, we’re expanding our partnerships in Africa. After months of organising and online meetings, it’s time to share with you some of our new collaborations. This week: Pwani Animal Welfare (PAW) in Kenya. https://pawmombasa.co.ke/home/

Pwani Animal Welfare Organisation (PAW) was founded by Nusrat Mohammed along with a few friends passionate about animal welfare in July 2019. Nusrat has homed rescued cats since she was 7 years old and is now focused on humane dog/cat population control in Mombasa county; accessibility of rabies vaccinations and awareness in low income communities.

The community-based organisation addresses the welfare of all domestic animals and emphasises conservation of local ecosystems. Not only do they do amazing work rescuing and re-homing animals (mainly cats up to this point) but they also work very strongly in their rabies vaccination campaigns; working to vaccinate animals and educate their local communities.

Educating and empowering the youth of their community on animal welfare, conservation and awareness is an important part of their mission and we at Darwin Animal Doctors are excited to work with them on their Youth Rangers Program (aka PAW Patrol).

The Youth Rangers Program will be part of their outreach community activities, providing an opportunity to learn about the importance of animal welfare and protection of the environment whilst developing employability skills and a sense of ownership, belonging, and the eagerness to help and support their local environment.

“Keeping the environment safe for people and all kinds of wildlife is the most important part of a ranger’s job. Educating the public on their conduct with companion animals in their areas and how to conduct themselves in wildlife areas helps accomplish this. The participants will take part in a variety of activities from litter pick up and how to be safe when encountering stray animals in [their] communities and being safe and responsible when encountering wildlife. They will learn physical activities like restoring habitats and litter pick up. As part of the monitoring process, youth will learn about endangered species. Participants will have the chance to develop a simple community survey to identify the needs of the local community and how communities can also support the work of rangers. Participants will learn about trees and plant them in specific areas to help revitalize the area.”

In all, we’re very excited for this new partnership, and whilst we can’t yet be there in person, our team will be delivering interactive online training until the borders open and we can work face to face again.

Until then, PAW’s mission statement is a very positive message to work towards: ‘Creating a one health community: Happy People Happy Animals!’

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-Tod and the Team, Darwin Animal Doctors

In loving memory of our hero, Piggy:

Pictures and quotes taken from PAW website