Mel, a dog accompanied by a therapist, now participates in weekly sessions at the Eiriz, Sudeste, and Vale de Ovil school clusters. This activity aims to stimulate skill development, promote autonomy, and provide moments of interaction and well-being for children with special educational needs.
Previously, the initiative promoted by the local authority was limited to the Structured Teaching Unit of the Vale de Ovil School Cluster. The current municipal executive's decision to extend the program to all schools in the municipality aims to ensure that more children can access this therapeutic experience.
The President of the Baião Municipal Council, Ana Raquel Azevedo, emphasized the importance of this expansion, stating that "no child should have fewer opportunities because of the school they attend." She added that the goal is to allow "every child to have the opportunity to develop their abilities, at their own pace and with the support they need."
The sessions, held weekly at the schools themselves, are facilitated by a therapist with Mel's support. They can be conducted individually or in groups, adapting to each student's characteristics and needs. Interaction with the animal aims to improve communication, concentration, motor coordination, and social skills, as well as boost self-confidence and self-esteem.
Previous experience at the Vale de Ovil School Cluster has shown positive progress in students' motor and psychosocial development. Beyond therapeutic goals, the sessions offer an alternative to usual school routines, fostering socialization and learning in a motivating environment.
The initiative also includes an environmental awareness component, using recycled materials such as cardboard, plastic, and metal to produce some activity resources, thereby promoting sustainability practices.
