Over the past year we have blogged about children reading aloud to dogs and about Ethiopia Reads’ donkey-drawn libraries but here is a first: children reading with donkeys. To celebrate National Storytelling Week in the United Kingdom, The Donkey Sanctuary, will be opening its doors to local groups and schools for storytelling sessions in the company of the donkeys! Emma Foster reports:
The sanctuary’s education and activities team will be bringing donkey-related children’s stories to life with the assistance of puppets and props. During each session the children will have a refreshment break and then take part in donkey walking and grooming around the barns.
Janice Aherne, education and activities manager, said: “We are thrilled to be taking part in National Storytelling Week. It will give our staff the chance to put into practice their recently acquired skills following training from a professional storyteller.
“Our donkeys always enjoy playing to an audience and we can’t wait to share stories and puppet shows with the children.”
Places are limited so booking is essential, the charity said. There is no charge for groups attending, however donations to the sanctuary are welcome.
For more information click here.
The Donkey Sanctuary aims to protect donkeys and mules and promote their welfare worldwide. Every year on March 20th, The Donkey Sanctuary celebrates World Storytelling Day by working with children throughout the world, using stories and discussions, to encourage better attitudes to donkey welfare.
Photo credit: Ethiopa Reads’ Donkey Drawn Library