How Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Humane Education Program is Making a Global Difference This Martyrdom Day

India Marks a Special Holiday with New Animal Welfare Initiatives in Schools

Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., Feb. 11, 2025 — The Helen Woodward Animal Center received a unique honor from miles away. On January 30, coinciding with Martyrdom Day, four schools in Chandigarh, India, were named “Animal Fan Clubs” in the center’s name. This initiative begins animal welfare education within these schools, thanks to the efforts of Yuvsatta (translated as Youth for Peace).

Last October, Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Associate Director of Education, Haylee Blake, and Ambassador to the United Nations, Jacqueline Kelleher, traveled to the Global Youth Peace Fest in Chandigarh. They led a workshop focused on “How Compassion for Animals Translates to Compassion for People and the Community.” This annual event attracts around 250 attendees from countries like Malaysia, the Philippines, and Sudan.

Pramod Sharma, the founder of Yuvsatta, hosts this event in Chandigarh. He is dedicated to empowering youth and supports marginalized girls by creating educational and career opportunities. During their visit, Blake and Kelleher shared materials from the center’s humane education programs and offered inspiration for global youth advocacy.

On Martyrdom Day, which honors Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy of non-violence, the center was recognized as a key player in introducing humane education in four local schools: The New Public School, Chandigarh; GD Goenka Public School, Mohali; Kitabghar; and Dev Samaj College of Education.

Sharma noted, “By teaching children about animal care, we’re fostering a compassionate relationship between humans and animals. Humane education can plant the seeds of kindness early on.” He emphasized the importance of these programs in nurturing compassion for all living beings.

Helen Woodward Animal Center has always been committed to animal welfare, not only in their San Diego facility but globally. Their initiatives, like Remember Me Thursday and Home 4 the Holidays, aim to connect with animal welfare groups and provide vital educational resources.

In July 2022, the center earned Special Consultative Status with the United Nations, highlighting its dedication to animal rights worldwide. This recognition opens doors for collaborating with other organizations focused on similar values.

Mike Arms, the center’s President and CEO, stated, “Humane Education doesn’t just change our view of animals; it creates a kinder world. This recognition shows our educational impact can extend far beyond our walls and benefit countless lives.”

To learn more about the Helen Woodward Animal Center and its mission, visit www.animalcenter.org.

About Helen Woodward Animal Center
The Helen Woodward Animal Center is a non-profit organization based in Rancho Santa Fe, California, helping over 90,000 people and 10,000 animals each year through various programs and services.