Bomb disposal dog Patron became UNICEF Ukraine’s first "Goodwill Dog"
On World Children’s Day, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Ukraine and representatives of Patron Dog signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with Patron himself. This document deepens cooperation between fund and famous dog in supporting children’s mental health and promoting mine education and safety.
As informs Censor.NЕТ, it was reported by the press service of UNICEF Ukraine.
Within the framework of the Memorandum, UNICEF and Patron Dog will cooperate in informing Ukrainians about the risks of explosive hazards, reducing the risks of emergencies due to war, supporting mental health and psychosocial care for children, adolescents, youth, their guardians and educators.
The dog Patron received the title of "Goodwill Dog" from UNICEF in Ukraine. After all, he is a true friend of children in Ukraine, who not only protects them from mines, but also helps to maintain the mental health of children.
"There is no child in Ukraine who does not know about Patron the Dog. Patron has won the trust and hearts of all Ukrainians, and together with UNICEF, Patron will promote extremely important things for Ukrainian society, such as mine education and mental health. Thanks to his owners, Patron knows more than anyone else about explosive hazards and mined fields and places, and is constantly involved in mine education activities. He also knows how to encourage, sincerely sympathize, and comfort with a sense of humor. Watching and communicating with him helps not only kids but also adults to overcome stress and cheer up," said Murat Shakhin, UNICEF Representative in Ukraine.
As part of the cooperation, a development in augmented reality (AR) technology has already been launched - an Instagram mask with Patron the Dog. This is part of the "Together to Learn" campaign to support children who study at home. Patron Dog will become an assistant for children and teenagers who will provide daily advice and tips in learning.
Using an animated, interactive, unobtrusive and child-friendly format, Patron Dog will help convey the most important messages about mental health and mine safety to children. All to ease the impact of war, active hostilities and restrictions in communication with peers on children's mental health, as well as to prevent dangerous situations related to explosive remnants of war.
