The AWESSI Program is a unique learning experience being offered to fifth grade classrooms. Focusing on advocacy, education and outreach, this is a very special school and community enrichment curriculum designed to:

• Promote awareness and understanding of the unique qualities of all companion, exotic and wild animals.
• Foster responsibility and respect.
• Promote the prevention and reduction of animal abuse associated with child and domestic violence.
• Encourage empathy and compassion for all creatures.

Research supports a direct link between animal cruelty and human violence. Evidence indicates that children who are taught at an early age to be kind to animals are prone to be less violent throughout their adult lives. Our goal is to create a kinder, more gentle society.

Led by OHS staff and volunteers, the AWESSI program leader visits classrooms to provide seven inter-related programs and projects on responsible animal care. If you would like OHS to bring the AWESSI program to your school, please click here to email Laura Nowlin or call to arrange a meeting. If you would like to provide financial support to help children learn compassion, please contact our Development Department by emailing donate@ozaukeehumane.org.