The Culture and Animal Welfare departments of the Arrecife City Council, led by Abigail González and Jacobo Lemes, respectively, have launched an innovative project in collaboration with the LanzÁnimal-Animal Assisted Therapy Association, whose main objective is to use the farm environment and animals as therapeutic tools to improve motor skills, emotional expression, self-esteem and the development of social skills in various groups.
The collaboration between both areas and LanzÁnimal has made it possible to design an initiative that not only promotes emotional and social well-being, but also encourages inclusion and awareness of animal care.
In an increasingly digital world, this project seeks to reconnect people with nature, the countryside and agriculture, offering an enriching and motivating experience. Through activities such as caring for animals, cleaning their facilities, maintaining orchards and gardens, making crafts, participating in practical workshops such as making cheese or soap, or sensory stimulation exercises, participants not only learn new skills, but also establish an emotional bond with the animals, most of whom have been rescued, which contributes to their integral well-being.
The proposal is specially designed to adapt to the needs of vulnerable groups, such as children with autism, young people at risk of social exclusion, people with mental illnesses, etcetera, and each session is personalized to ensure that the activities are meaningful and beneficial.
The groups that will participate include LanzaroTEA, Creciendo Yaiza, Tinguafaya, Pequeño Valiente, Aspercan, Adepsi and La Vida es Zuaina. Each of them will find in this project a space for growth, learning and connection with nature and animals.
The Councilor for Culture, Abigail González, has highlighted the importance of this initiative, emphasizing that this project is an example of how, by working in a coordinated manner, it is possible to create activities that promote inclusion and well-being. “The collaboration between Culture and Animal Welfare has been fundamental to design an initiative that not only enriches people, but also promotes values such as respect and care for animals and nature. Organizing activities like these allows us to create inclusive spaces where everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can feel part of something big.”
For his part, the Councilor for Animal Welfare, Jacobo Lemes, has underlined the therapeutic value of interaction with animals. “This project not only benefits people, but also improves the quality of life of the rescued animals that are part of LanzÁnimal.”
The program, which will be developed monthly, started this Monday with the participation of the association La Vida es Zuaina, and was also attended by the Deputy Mayor of the Arrecife City Council, Echedey Eugenio, as well as the Councilor for Culture, Abigail González, and the Councilor for Animal Welfare, Jacobo Lemes.
