Dubai: Black spots on the wall, masks, leopard ears, posters hanging from the ceiling and glue stains on the floor - this was the scene last Thursday as the Horizon School was extending its support to the endangered Arabian leopard.
Each year had an activity. The four-year-olds made leopard masks.
One of the pupils, Seinna Ryder, proudly showed off her mask and said: "My entire class is wearing spots today and we want to help all the leopards on the planet."
Another pupil, Thomas Haigh, said, "The Arabian leopards are dying. People should stop hunting them down." Riley Teulon agreed saying, "I do not want the leopards to be extinct. Please try and save them!"
Pupils also attended a presentation on the subject by Sharjah's Centre for Endangered Arabian Animals.
Lily Cilento and Gemma Gardiner, from grade six, were very impressed with the discussion.
Cilento said, "After hearing about the leopard, we have decided to raise money in order to help save them. There are only around 250 left in the entire world!"
Both the girls had dressed for the occasion and proudly supported the cause.
Gardiner said, "I am really glad to see that a lot of people still care for animals."
Yet, another pupil Gautam Sabnani thought the presentation was a good way to inform young people of the troubles that helpless animals have to face commenting, "I am saddened by the fact that people continue to hunt leopards, even when their population has decreased substantially."
Cyndi Teulon, a mother of two, volunteers at the school every Thursday. Additionally, she is a member of the The Green Group at the school, which comprises teachers and parents who want to help children become better global citizens.
She said, "I helped arrange this spotty day so that children understand the concept of extinction."
The event focuses on spreading awareness and collecting donations.
By Rabab Khan, Community Journalist