An innovative, community-funded program run by MacKillop Family Services is helping children in Victoria re-engage with education in a remarkable way. 

Students with learning differences or special needs often struggle to engage with peers, concentrate on studies and learn effectively due to a host of classroom challenges. Social and emotional difficulties that kids face outside the school gates also hamper their progress at school.

MacKillop Family Services' Paw Pals program uses Animal Assisted Education to connect with young people who find it difficult to attend school due to issues such as anxiety or learning difficulties, which make it really challenging for them to be in a classroom. 

"Paw Pals facilitators work with therapy dogs to help vulnerable children who are disengaged from education to understand their emotions and behaviour, improve their confidence and reconnect with learning," said Brona Walshe, MacKillop's Education and Engagement Programs Director.

Since its launch in 2018 with one dog and a facilitator, Paw Pals has supported more than 800 kids to get back to learning. Today the program has 14 facilitators and more than 20 rotating dogs working across Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat. 

The demand for Paw Pals has grown particularly after the prolonged Covid lockdowns which heavily impacted young people's mental health.

MacKillop's Paw Pals program is funded by the community, including an annual matched giving day appeal on April 30.

Find out more on how to donate at pawpalsappeal.org.au