Hi, my name is Sam Summers.
Daily duties included feeding hay and pellets to the donkeys, poo picking the enclosure numerous times a day and checking and refilling the water bars.
My favourite free time activity throughout the project was the horse riding, as this allowed me to learn a different style of riding and was able to see the different locations around the island.
Thanks to Erasmus+, professionally I learned how to restrain puppies whilst they are having a blood sample taken and how to clean a dogs teeth with the correct equipment during my time at the vets. At the donkey sanctuary, professionally I learnt how to interact with members of the public and overcome language barriers.
Sam Summers
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.

Hi, my name is Ryan Stringer.
I have enjoyed being involved in providing the daily husbandry for the donkeys, this involved two daily feeds of hay and pellets as well as cleaning the outside areas. I have also completed extra jobs such as clearing the storage container.
As one of the spare time activities the group and I took part in a softball match against the staff of Contreras Veterinary Services. I particularly enjoyed learning the rules of sport and competing with the staff.
Thanks to Erasmus+, professionally I learned new skills and knowledge specifically relating to the veterinary and restraint side of their care as well as how the welfare is maintained in different countries.
Personally, I feel like I have improved my confidence around new people especially whilst talking to tourists.
Ryan Stringer
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.

Hi, my name is Lucy Fletcher.
During the week, we fed the donkeys hay and pellets, refilled their waters, poo picked the enclosure, and helped to make a difference at the sanctuary through jobs such as branch clearing and public interaction around the donkeys.
My favourite free time activity was the boat trip and snorkelling as I loved looking at the fishes and other aquatic species and enjoyed the swimming.
Thanks to Erasmus+, professionally I learned the correct position in which to hold a puppy for its bloods to be efficiently taken ready for testing.
Personally I feel this project has helped to increase my confidence in aspects such as living away from home and interacting with new people and of different nationalities.
Lucy Fletcher
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.

Hi, my name is Kayti Sayles.
During the project at the donkey sanctuary, I carried out daily feeding routines. Throughout the day, I carried out manure picking around the enclosure, I also cleaned the visitor facilities ready for tourists and packed pellets in bags to sell to the public.
During my free time, I thoroughly enjoyed a snorkelling trip. This gave me the opportunity to observe different aquatic animals, which also allowed me to develop my knowledge further to aid in my animal management course.
Thanks to Erasmus+, professionally I learned to be able to understand and gain an insight into the different animal welfare guidelines in a different country compared to the UK. Personally, I had the opportunity to cater for my peers, which gave me a new experience in having the ability to cook for a large group.
Kayti Sayles
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.

Hi, my name is Charlotte Quarmby.
Routine tasks consisted of feeding pellets, hay and refilling the water facilities for the donkeys. I also assisted in administrating medication. At the vets we assisted in consultations, restraining animals for tests and helping during operations.
In my free time I undertook a horse riding expedition; I learnt how to ride in a different style. I also went snorkelling which allowed me to observe a vast array of species of aquatics animals, which I have never seen before.
Thanks to Erasmus+, professionally I learned how to prepare an animal for an operation. I also learnt how to interact with customers to ensure they had an enjoyable experience. Personally I learnt how to deal with potentially upsetting situations through working with injured animals and how to control my emotions.
Charlotte Quarmby
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.

Hi, my name is Charles Illing.
Daily duties around the donkey sanctuary involved feeding on a morning and evening, a mixture of hay and pellets. The duties were challenging but also very rewarding having the ability to work with the donkey’s daily.
Throughout the evenings, the group and I undertook sea turtle patrols, creating barriers to protect the eggs, and directing offspring back to the ocean.
Thanks to Erasmus+, professionally I learned to develop public speaking skills by providing talks to large groups of tourists of different nationalities.
Personally, I gained more confidence and a new experience living with a large group of peers whom I had never met prior to carrying out the project. This allowed me to improve my ability to interact with new people with ease.
Charles Illing
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.

Hi, my name is Ria Harmer, 18.
During the project I’ve been involved with medicating cats including tablets and injections.
I also accompanied cats to the vet for treatment and checking up.
During my free time, I had the opportunities to do different activities including snorkelling in the Blue Lagoon.
I have learnt more about the medical conditions and methods of treatment including medication. I have also learnt more about cat behaviour by seeing lots of different cats from different situations – this has included expressions and personalities. I feel that my communication skills have improved by dealing with people with different languages and accents. I have been able to express myself more clearly.
Ria Harmer
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.

Hi, I’m Rebecca Neale, 17.
During the project, my duties at the cattery included, cleaning, feeding, socialising and taking care of the cats and their areas.
We spent the day at Golden bay and enjoyed a speedboat trip round the bay and swimming in a sea cave.
I have learned a lot about disease control and the importance in keeping a large group of animals healthy. I have a greater awareness of different approaches to welfare within another culture/country. I feel that my communication skills have improved and I feel more confident working with people from different places and of different ages.
I feel more independent due to having to budget, buy supplies and plan and prepare meals in a group.
Rebecca Neale
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.

Hi, my name is Beth Farrar, 18.
I particularly focused in the first week of my project in the special care section for cats needing closer supervision or treatment. I particularly enjoying getting to know the personality of each cat.
Thanks to this project, I expanded my knowledge of how large cat sanctuaries can work and the differences to the UK. I had to work with different people many of who do not speak English as their first language which can make communication challenging.
Personally my confidence has grown, at times I have had to work on my own and use my initiative. Previously I would have leant on staff or colleagues for support and here I had to get on with it.
Beth Farrar
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 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.