Projeto Cultivando Oportunidades: interação entre crianças acolhidas na casa de Apoio Maria Bela Xavier em situação de vulnerabilidade e IF Goiano Campus Campos Belos

Abstract

The project “Cultivating Opportunities” was carried out at the School-Farm of the Instituto Federal Goiano - Campus Campos Belos, in partnership with the Casa de Apoio ao Menor Maria Bela Xavier, aiming to foster emotional, social, and cognitive development of children in vulnerable situations. The activities included educational workshops, discussion circles, animal handling practices, and equine-assisted therapy sessions, all designed to integrate Zootechny principles with pedagogical and therapeutic experiences The methodology involved biweekly meetings, later monthly, totaling 17 visits, with an initial participation of six children, reduced to four due to adoption processes. Actions were conducted by professors, technicians, and Zootechny students, who adapted language and content to different age groups. Results showed significant changes in children’s behavior, such as greater openness to dialogue, strengthened self-esteem, sense of belonging, and reduced anxiety. Equine-assisted therapy stood out as a practice that fostered confidence, calmness, and social integration. Furthermore, workshops and discussion circles expanded the understanding of the human role in animal care and environmental Sustainability It is concluded that the project contributed to the integral formation of children, reinforcing the importance of Zootechny as a science applied not only to production but also to the promotion of well-being and social inclusion. Keywords: Zootechny, Equine-assisted therapy, Animal welfare, Child education and Social inclusion