Learning & development for 200 children, Portugal

by Romi's Way

Summary

This project will target at least 200 disadvantaged children in Portugal, who are at risk of dropping out of school or are having learning difficulties. The project uses living Nature as a learning, healing and development platform through alternative learning means such as equine-therapy, art-therapy, relaxation classes and nature-discovery activities. The project will also provide trainings for teachers and care-givers to assist them to use Nature as a source for alternative learning support.

$48,000
total goal

$46,211
remaining

51
donors

0
monthly donors

1
year

Challenge

Traditional pedagogical approach in Portugal is not addressing the needs of diverse learners, 'one model does not fit all'. Children from low-income households, or who are suffering from abuse or neglect, having parents with addiction or substance abuse or children with mental or physical disability are at risk of dropping out or having learning difficulties in school as well as behavioural issues, such as agression. Adaptive education is the best mitigation for adulthood issues and crime.

Solution

This project will support children's learning and development needs and wellbeing by connecting them to nature and using animals and Nature as a learning platform. Children whose individual care or development needs are not met will receive alternative support allowing them to grow healthy and happy with the help of rescued & re-trained therapy horses, by boosting their creativity through art and by promoting respectful collaboration, communication and teamwork with animals and other people.

Long-Term Impact

Children learn and heal best through play and active participation allowing them to express themselves. This has a life-long positive impact minimising negative experiences, challenges or trauma from childhood affecting the adulthood Life and decisions. Romi's Way invests greatly on building balanced and stimulating childhood for all children, allowing them to grow to their full potential with respect towards all forms of life, understanding of themselves and the world we are living.