Oranga Taiao – The Farm

Animal Assisted Education is not new, many other organisations particularly overseas, use animals as a way of assisting those facing communication, social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. The philosophy of the development of Te Pãmu is based on the following:

• Frequently children feel depressed, withdrawn and unwanted. They need to feel a sense of connection, a personal bond with another living thing.
• For many, a connection to an adult or peer is threatening. In many of these cases the animal is a logical answer.
• The lessons learned from the animal become the stepping stone for a human connection.
• Nurturing an animal and receiving back unconditional attention and love re-establishes the worth of the child.
• It encourages the child to risk the human connection.
• It provides a realistic, relevant, responsible activity.
• The child sees that the caring serves a need and that it has a related purpose. It connects the child to others who believe in this human animal bond.