Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Offering children ages 6-11 fun activities that encourage creativity, knowledge, caring for animals and the environment, as well as self-protection measures, the Centro de Acopio Animal de Puerto Vallarta's Cursos de Verano 2014 (2014 Summer Courses) begin on July 21st.

Guadalupe Davalos, the head of the municipal agency, said that the program is a joint effort between several municipal service departments that want to offer local children a healthy choice for entertainment and education during the Summer vacation period.

"It's a course we are preparing for the children to help them understand important issues and the voluntary work performed by several municipal departments and the corresponding non-profit associations related to each purpose," she said.

In addition to the Puerto Vallarta Animal Shelter, these activities involve the Municipal Police's Crime Prevention And Traffic Departments, the Municipal Institute for the Care of Youth, the Environment and Ecology Directorate, the Municipal Education Branch and the Municipal Coordination of Civil Protection and Fire Departments.

She explained that for two weeks the kids will learn about civic issues, such as animal rights and the responsibilities of pet ownership; conflict and violence management, self-protection, and how children can avoid risk situations; as well as a sensitization workshop to raise awareness of the treatment of persons with disabilities, among other important issues.

The courses will be held on the Rio Cuale Island from July 21 to August 1st, Monday to Friday from 9 am to 1 pm. Registration takes place at the offices of the Directorate of Social Communication, located on the top floor of City Hall, and in the Division of Education, located in the Municipal Administrative Unit (AMU) in Colonia Portales. The registration fees are $200 pesos and the course is limited to 150 children.