Partnerships

An underdeveloped culture of responsible pet ownership and animal care in Ukrainian society has deep roots in the lack of basic knowledge about animal needs and the importance of humane treatment. As a result, we often witness acts of neglect, cruelty, or indifference – not out of malice, but simply due to a lack of awareness.

The issue has not only an ethical but also a social dimension. Research by the Humane Society of the United States shows that 76% of animal abusers also display aggression toward family members, and their likelihood of committing violence against people is up to five times higher. This means that the culture of treating animals is directly linked to the safety and empathy levels within society.

For Suziria Group, as a business operating in the pet care market and an active part of civil society, this issue goes far beyond simple corporate social responsibility. The level of public awareness about animal needs affects not only the well-being of pets but also the sustainable development of the entire industry.

Recognizing that education is the key to systemic change, Suziria Group and UAnimals joined forces to create the project Humane Education and Volunteering. This innovative initiative for schools and communities aims to foster empathy, compassion for animals, and volunteering skills among children – contributing to the creation of a humane society. Humane Education and Volunteering is an educational ecosystem for teachers that helps integrate volunteering and animal care into the learning process. The project introduces knowledge and practices that, in a safe environment, help children build empathy, learn to act for the benefit of animals, people, and the planet, and ultimately make a positive change in the world around them.

The project addresses a clear gap in modern educational resources that promote compassion, responsibility toward animals, and volunteer skills. This need has become even more urgent during the war, as animals suffer from its consequences and communities face growing humanitarian challenges. The absence of such values-based education supported by volunteer practices creates the risk of losing empathy and civic responsibility in the next generation.

We realized that systemic change requires an approach that goes beyond individual lessons. The idea evolved into an educational ecosystem: the platform education.uanimals.org. Here, teachers can access ready-to-use lessons for grades 1–9, developed according to the principles of the New Ukrainian School (NUS).

A total of fourteen complete lessons have been created, including presentations, workbooks, teaching guides, and practical assignments for students. The materials can be used as standalone lessons or integrated into various subjects – science, Ukrainian and English languages, mathematics, and others.

A key component of the project is the ‘Knowledge + Action’ principle. Students don’t just learn – they act: organizing campaigns, helping stray animals, holding Animal Protection Week in schools, cleanup events, and other activities. This approach cultivates compassion through real-world experience.

The project was developed by a multidisciplinary team including experts in education, animal welfare, communications, and social engagement. Methodologists created and adapted materials for schools, Suziria Group experts shared their knowledge of animal care and nutrition, while the UAnimals team ensured the humane and ethical content. A dedicated online platform and chatbot were developed to make teachers’ work easier, supported by digital communications specialists. All materials were created on a partnership and volunteer basis.

In less than six months since its launch, the project Humane Education and Volunteering has achieved significant results:

•     An online platform for teachers with ready-to-use materials and a convenient chatbot for communication has been launched.
•     14 interactive lessons have been made freely available online.
•     Two methodological handbooks for secondary schools – “Humanity as a Competence of the Future” – have been developed and submitted for official approval by the Ministry of Education of Ukraine. Once approved with the “Recommended by the Ministry of Education” label, these materials can be fully integrated into the national curriculum.
•     Over 1,200 teachers from all regions of Ukraine have learned about the project.
•     506 teachers completed webinars, received accredited professional development certificates, and conducted more than 200 lessons in humanity.
  Over 2,600 students have participated in practical initiatives – from helping animals to implementing school eco-projects.
  More than 300,000 people have been reached through organic media and social media coverage.

Our future plans include developing materials for preschoolers and high school students and expanding cooperation with local communities.

For Suziria Group, this initiative is an integral part of its corporate social responsibility and a logical continuation of the company’s mission – to foster a culture of caring for pets in Ukraine.

The project aims to cultivate humane attitudes toward animals among children and teenagers, promote responsible pet care, and nurture a future generation of conscious pet parents – individuals who choose quality products, care for their animals, and help elevate the overall culture and standards of the pet care market.

This is a long-term, systemic initiative, whose results are not measured instantly but emerge over time – through shifts in social behavior, consumer choices, and attitudes toward animals. As a business, we understand the importance of investing in sustainable development rather than short-term outcomes. That’s why we focus not only on immediate quantitative results but also on deep qualitative impact – shaping an empathetic, conscious, and responsible society.