The “Compassionate People” program by WACPAW, with support from EonA, educates and advocates for compassionate relationships between humans, animals, and the environment. One of its aims is to promote largely plant-based diets.
On September 1, 2023, WACPAW trained Chogu Yapalsi M/A Primary School staff and sixth-grade students in Northern Ghana on preparing affordable plant-based meals with local ingredients. Theoretical training explained plant-based diets’ health, animal and environmental benefits. Practical training showed how to make various plant-based Ghanaian stews. Many traditional Ghanaian dishes are plant-based as heavy meat-eating of farm animals is largely a result of big animal agri- businesses from the west dictating to the world what we “should” eat and introducing factory farming techniques in many African nations, like Ghana. Teachers and students were impressed, and misconceptions about plant-based advocates were dispelled. WACPAW also discussed the importance of compassion towards animals, including pets at home. A total of seven teachers and 120 students participated in the training. This initiative is supported by Eyes on Animals to engage 3,200 Ghanaian students in animal welfare and environmental protection in 2023. Gratitude is expressed to Chogu Yapalsi M/A Primary, and all supporters.