We Care Center Kanjirapally started a Farm School (We Farm-Multi category Agro Farm School) for the students who are intellectually disabled. The inauguration held on 04Th June 2018 which is aimed to provide proper training to the differently abled people. Mar Mathew Arackal, Bishop, Diocese Kanjirapally inaugurated the Farm school which includes Gardening, Farming and animal husbandry.
Animal Husbandry and agriculture are synergistically involved and are the important source of income and employment. Animal husbandry is a large-scale business that involves raising, breeding, sheltering, and caring for animals that provide food. Cattle farming is a type of animal husbandry that involves raising livestock like cows, goats, buffalo and sheep. Dairy farming not only is a source of income but also a major source of protein, supplementary nutrition, fertilizer, fuel and a store of wealth.
Our curriculum focuses on:
Cattle Management:
Breeds
NAME | NUMBER |
---|---|
Holstein Friesian | 2 |
Jersy | 2 |
Karikoru | 2 |
Vechur | 1 |
Gheer | 1 |
Calves | 4 |
NAME | NUMBER |
---|---|
Malabari | 16 |
Jamna Pyari | 3 |
Shirohi | 2 |
Beetal | 2 |
Nadan | 7 |
WE FARM we have the following breeds: -
Malabari Origin: Kerala, India Characteristics: Adaptable, early mature, good milk production, hardy Benefits: High nutritional value in milk, suitable for diverse climates. Jamnapari Origin: Uttar Pradesh, India Characteristics: Large size, high milk yield Benefits: Rich in fat content, good for cheese and other dairy products. Sirohi Origin: Rajasthan, India Characteristics: Medium-sized, drought-resistant, good for meat and milk Benefits: Excellent for dual-purpose farming (milk and meat) Betal Goat: A Promising Choice The Betal goat breed, native to India, is well-suited for farming in various climates due to its adaptability and disease resistance. Its high milk production, fast growth rate, and good fertility make it a valuable asset for both dairy and meat production. Goat farming offers a unique blend of therapeutic and educational benefits for special needs children. This practice can significantly improve their physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. Goat farming also offers therapeutic benefits beyond its economic and agricultural advantages. These benefits stem from interactions with animals, engagement in farming activities, and the natural environment. Here are the Key benefits of goat farming.
Key Benefits:
Therapeutic Benefits:
NAME | NUMBER |
---|---|
Hen (Nadan) | 27 |
Muttakozhi | 98 |
Duck (Mani Tharavu) | 3 |
Rabbit | 3 |
Love Birds | 30 |
Poultry farming offers a unique opportunity for children to engage in hands-on learning and therapeutic experiences. By actively participating in tasks such as feeding, cleaning, and preparing feed, children develop a strong sense of responsibility, empathy, and connection with nature.
Cognitive and Social-Emotional Development:Poultry farming can be adapted to accommodate children with diverse abilities. By providing appropriate tools and support, children with disabilities can participate fully in the learning process and benefit from the therapeutic and educational advantages of this activity.
Pet therapy, particularly involving avian companions like love birds, has emerged as a promising intervention for individuals with intellectual disabilities. This therapeutic approach leverages the unique bond between humans and animals to address a range of cognitive, emotional, and social challenges.
Neurobiological MechanismsThe therapeutic benefits of pet therapy can be attributed to several neurobiological
1. Hormonal Regulation: Interacting with animals triggers the release of oxytocin, a neurotransmitter associated with bonding, trust, and reduced stress. 2. Sensory Stimulation: The visual, auditory, and tactile experiences provided by love birds can stimulate the senses, enhancing cognitive function and sensory processing. 3. Social Engagement: Caring for love birds promotes social interaction and communication skills, fostering empathy and emotional connection. 4. Hormone modulation: Physical contact with animals decreases cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. 5. Emotional healing: Regular interactions with pets encourage the brain to rewire itself,fostering adaptive emotional responses.
Cognitive and Emotional BenefitsIndividuals with intellectual disabilities often experience difficulties in cognitive and emotional regulation. Pet therapy can:
Pet therapy can also positively impact social and behavioural skills:
Pet therapy, specifically involving love birds, offers a holistic approach to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. By addressing cognitive, emotional, social, and behavioral needs, this therapeutic intervention can significantly improve quality of life. Further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and optimize the benefits of pet therapy for this population.
We Farm, a facility dedicated to rabbit husbandry, houses diverse breeds such as Chinchilla White Giant and Grey Giant. The daily routine involves a meticulous morning care regimen for the rabbits, including cage sanitation, feeding, and hydration. Rabbit care offers a multifaceted approach to the holistic development of differently abled students. It fosters essential life skills, such as feeding, grooming, and the development of a sense of responsibility. Additionally, it provides valuable vocational training, equipping students with practical experience in animal husbandry and agriculture. The tactile nature of interacting with rabbits offers significant benefits for students with sensory processing disorders. The gentle touch and calming presence of these animals can have a profound impact on sensory integration. Moreover, rabbit care encourages social interaction, teamwork, and effective communication among students, promoting the development of essential social skills. Caring for rabbits’ nurtures empathy, compassion, and self-awareness, contributing to the development of emotional intelligence. It also instills a sense of accomplishment and pride, boosting self-esteem. For students with intellectual disabilities, the structured routine of rabbit care tasks provides a sense of stability and order. In conclusion, rabbit cultivation at We Farm offers a comprehensive approach to the development of differently abled students, encompassing physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains.
Duck cultivation offers several therapeutic and developmental benefits for differently-abled children. Interaction with these waterfowl can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, promoting emotional well-being. Furthermore, the physical tasks involved, such as feeding, watering, and cleaning enclosures, can enhance fine and gross motor skills, improving hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and mobility. Beyond physical benefits, duck cultivation can instill a sense of responsibility, routine, and time management. Additionally, it can provide vocational training, leading to potential employment opportunities or entrepreneurial ventures. The social aspect of caring for ducks can foster community building and enhance self-esteem and independence.