My name is Richard Crisp, I’m 24 from England.
During the working days I carry out a large variety of tasks such as looking after the donkeys and constructing drainage and shade shelters.
I’ve enjoyed every moment of the experience, all the sight-seeing and exploring. One of the best experiences was the BBQ we had at Desiree’s house and then proceeded to try and capture a wild donkey with her and the group during the middle of the night.
I’ve learnt how to care for donkeys, feeding watering and cleaning. This is an entirely new skill set. I have found a new direction in life and have a better idea of what I want to do long term. I have found out that the sense of routine we had while in Aruba has really helped me back on track.
Richard Crisp
Project part of A Different Kettle of Fish supported by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union, in partnership with Aruba Donkey Sanctuary.

My name is Anthony Rutland I am 20 years old I am on a vocational training programme.
In the donkey sanctuary I cleaned up after the donkeys, fed them and dug a trench to put a water pipe in.
In our free time we climbed a mountain to the highest point, we went sight-seeing around the island.
We are staying in Pauline’s apartment; it is really cosy and spread out so there’s enough room for everyone. The food we have had was great.
I have learnt that I love working with animals. I have learnt to conquer my fears like horses by stroking and feeding them and heights by climbing to the highest point of Aruba.
Anthony Rutland
Project part of A Different Kettle of Fish supported by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union, in partnership with Aruba Donkey Sanctuary.

My Name is Demi Rimmer, I am 19 years old.
I loved working in the vets. I got to look at blood samples, feed the animals and also help out during consultations and surgery. I was also given cleaning jobs which I loved.
I really enjoyed going to the beach. The food we had was amazing. We all took turns in preparing and cooking the meals.
I learnt how to hold an animal whilst the animal got a scan done on its stomach. I really enjoyed learning things like this. I learnt how to keep myself calm in busy places. I also learnt how to get on with people I don’t really know, I really enjoyed getting to know more about the group, and I loved the project.
Demi Rimmer

Project part of A Different Kettle of Fish supported by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union, in partnership with Aruba Donkey Sanctuary.

Hi, my name is Zak Cannar.
During work I fed the donkeys, cleaned up after them, sanded and painted the visitors centre and watered the plants. I enjoyed the work because it was active and useful.
My favourite experience outside of work was becoming close friends with another member of the group. I also enjoyed exploring the beaches and walking up the tallest mountain in Aruba. We lived in a villa in Noord. We take turns cooking meals.
I learnt how to care for donkeys by feeding them correct amounts at specific parts of the day. I gained knowledge of what it’s like to work with animals. Personally I learnt what it’s like being around and living with a group of new people.
Zak Cannar
Project part of A Different Kettle of Fish supported by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union, in partnership with Askham Bryan College and Aruba Donkey Sanctuary.

My name is Simone Parducci and I am 19 years old. I live in Bradford and study Animal Management at Askham Bryan College.
We helped with the maintenance and general caring duties. We also helped out at a local vets and dog groomers.
After work we went to different landmarks and little markets. My favourite thing to do was go to the beach and go scuba-diving. I was living in a shared apartment with other people from my course.
I learnt new techniques with donkeys and their various needs/backgrounds and also how to work with different people. I learnt about travelling and living abroad with other people and how to cope with change and new situations.
Simone Parducci
Project part of A Different Kettle of Fish supported by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union, in partnership with Askham Bryan College and Aruba Donkey Sanctuary.

My name is Georgia, I‘m 21 years old and currently study Level 3 Animal Management at Askham Bryan College.
At the donkey sanctuary I helped with the general care duties such as feeding and cleaning.
The apartment had a pool and barbecue area and was a 10 minute walk from the beach. During free time I enjoyed visiting the beaches and spending time by the pool. I also enjoyed snorkelling and going out for meals.
I learnt about different veterinary procedures and techniques and gained hands on experience handling difficult and mistreated animals. I learnt that I am able to cope well with different situations and have become more confident in different environments.
Georgia Hartley
Project part of A Different Kettle of Fish supported by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union, in partnership with Askham Bryan College and Aruba Donkey Sanctuary.

My name is Dom, I am 18 years old. I live in Bradford and study Animal Management at Askham Bryan College.
For the project I worked at a donkey sanctuary and a vet. The accommodation was a 5 minute walk from the main beach.
For the free time we went to various beaches, restaurants, animal sanctuaries and took part in a number of water sports.
I learnt a lot about how to care for, treat and notice illnesses in animals. I learnt about working overseas and how the welfare standards are much different to the UK. I also learnt about how hard it is to work in the heat!
On a personal level I learnt a lot about a completely different culture and lifestyle. I also learnt how to work well in a team and independently.
Dominic Pickersgill
Project part of A Different Kettle of Fish supported by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union, in partnership with Askham Bryan College and Aruba Donkey Sanctuary.

My name is Connor and I’m 20 from Bradford. I’m a full time student and I’m very family orientated.
In the project we carried out good husbandry on the donkeys and carried out manual labour jobs like digging pipe line holes on the new sanctuary.
We went to lots of places like beaches and different animal sanctuaries. My favourite parts were water sport and ‘scuba diving’.
I was living in the Noord area in Pauline’s Apartments in a group of 8. It can be stressful at times but we manage through it all.
Thanks to this project I have learnt how to carryout manual labour in high heat. I made real connections with the donkeys as they all had their own individual personalities.
Connor Kennedy

Project part of A Different Kettle of Fish supported by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union, in partnership with Askham Bryan College and Aruba Donkey Sanctuary.

Discover Hannah’s VET (vocational education and training) project working with animals in Aruba (Erasmus+).

Project supported by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union, in partnership with ProCo. NW Ltd and Aruba Donkey Sanctuary.

Discover Jamie’s VET (vocational education and training) project working with animals in Aruba (Erasmus+).

Project supported by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union, in partnership with ProCo. NW Ltd and Aruba Donkey Sanctuary.