Interesting story: this unique school decided to adopt 2 cats to help students develop empathy

The presence of these cats in the establishment is part of a mediation project.

As part of an animal mediation program, an Indian elementary school adopted two kittens whose presence brings so much joy to students and teachers. The young cats come from a local shelter.

As of early November 2021, there were 2 special students at Indiana Elementary School. They are a duo of kittens, according to France Bleu. Their presence at the facility is part of the animal mediation program, which has many benefits for schoolchildren.

“Students enjoy watching and playing with the little ginger cats. Their company is likely to encourage children’s concentration, empathy when they are in charge of the animals”, said principal Sophie Grenon.

“They also have to take care of their own well-being,” she continues, which helps students consolidate and develop their “human qualities”.

It was the children who chose the names of the 2 kittens by voting. Therefore, the feline names are Asterix and Obelix. Before discovering the classrooms and the playground, they lived in the shelter of the association Peluche 36, whose team worked on their socialization.

Cats are chosen for their special friendly nature.

Students won, as well as a team of teachers.

Not only students are under their spell. “At school, we are all more or less crazy,” says Sophie Grenon. Teachers who also appreciate them will take turns looking after the puppies during the school holidays.

Returning to the students, the principal explains that the troubled ones “turned out to be very serious and very diligent” thanks to Asterix and Obelix. The latter give them the opportunity to “appreciate some qualities that children may not necessarily appreciate only in school”.