A virtual school holiday program teaching children about animal welfare and the unique features of some of our most popular furry friends will take place in mid-January.
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The RSPCA's school holiday program usually takes place at its Education Centre in Burwood East, but the coronavirus pandemic has offered the chance for children across Victoria to participate.
Designed for children aged between seven and 14 years and with a focus on animal welfare, the program includes a live virtual excursion to meet the animals of the RSPCA Victoria barn and hear about how they came to be part of the RSPCA Victoria team.
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Animal lovers will have the chance to meet an RSPCA Inspector and learn about the life of an RSPCA Victoria veterinarian, while given plenty of at home activities to keep entertained this summer.
RSPCA Victoria education officer Belinda Marchbank said the program aims to educate students through fun activities and videos and meeting some of the staff and education animals that make up the RSPCA Victoria family.
"The online school holiday program keeps our regular students connected with the animals at RSPCA Victoria, while at the same time, provides the opportunity for children living outside the city to participate," Ms Marchbank said.
"This is especially relevant to children who love animals but previously haven't had the opportunity to travel to our Education Centre in Burwood East."
During the one-hour sessions, participants will learn what makes horses unique and discover what farm animals have in common with household pets.
A highlight of the program is a special segment on little animals with big personalities that will reveal fun facts about rabbits and guinea pigs.
Conducted daily, the learning model builds on the regular school holiday program, which typically sees more than 1000 young animal lovers visit the Education Centre each year.
The online format was created in response to the coronavirus pandemic, with students turning in to learn about animals during Victoria's lockdown.
The RSPCA virtual school holiday program will take place from January 11 to 22, with one-hour sessions conducted daily from 10.30am.
Registration for one week of sessions is $35, or two weeks for $60.
To sign up for the program and learn more, visit rspcavic.org/schoolholidays
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