Definition
Humane education may be described and defined in many ways. Essentially, It is a process that highlights the need for compassion and respect for all life and all ecosystems by recognising the inter-dependence of all living things.

The Process
It is a process that strives to create and nurture a culture of empathy and caring by stimulating the moral development of individuals to enable them to become compassionate, responsible and just citizens. It is a process that relies on introducing students to facts and realities as well as to feelings, thoughts and emotions. Students' cognitive, affective and behavioral patterns are actively engaged in the process.

Why are humane education programs more important than ever before?
Unfortunately, the world has always been torn apart by violence, cruelty and exploitation. However, the consequences of these phenomena today are so endemic that communities and indeed whole societies are being rendered dysfunctional. The cost to society is too great.

From the animal protection perspective, humane education has the potential to serve as a long-term, cost-effective strategy that could produce a lasting and large-scale improvement in the quality of animals'' lives. Recent research shows quite clearly that In so doing, it can also serve as a major means of preventing animal abuse and many forms of child abuse and domestic violence. The link between animal cruelty and criminal behaviour is currently drawing increased attention to the humane education movement.

Implementing the process
Humane education initiatives may be delivered in many different ways. These fall into two main categories: informal and formal.

Informal methods include public education and political lobbying campaigns run by animal and environmental advocacy groups. Changes in attitudes and behaviour have often been successfully achieved as a result of well-run campaigns on specific issues. Also included in this category are the efforts of concerned individual educators to raise students' awareness of these issues within existing school subjects. Books, magazines and TV programs are also valuable tools but these may reach fewer individuals than can more formalised approaches.

Formal humane education programs in schools and tertiary courses are especially important since these represent the main vehicle for reaching the greatest numbers of individuals and for influencing attitudes and behaviours of the next generation of citizens. Formalised humane education initiatives are mandatory in 22 States in the USA in primary schools and the number is increasing.

Anticipated outcomes
The humane education process introduces students to an understanding of their own needs, feelings and reactions as well as to those of others. It encourages students to think critically about the consequences of their actions in a wide range of environments by linking their learning to an understanding of human and animal welfare and environmental issues.

Furthermore, well designed programs sensitise both students and educators to various social philosophies and life styles as well as to the many attitudes and behaviours that human beings exhibit towards the rest of the natural world. Students come to understand the ethical dilemmas generated by these different philosophies and life styles and they are better able to make informed judgments and take compassionate action. Humane education programs also promote critical thinking and problem solving as essential tools for dealing effectively with the issues raised.

Humane Education materials
Every single curriculum subject is capable of reflecting a humane ethic. Humane education does NOT need to be taught as a separate subject in an already crowded curriculum. Numerous organisations provide many reasonably priced materials suitable for use at all levels.

Animals Australia's Humane Education program can assist teachers and students by supplying a range of services including: