Our Work

Education Initiatives

Education is a cornerstone of AWAMO’s philosophy. By giving animals a voice through schools, community campaigns, global lectures, and international advocacy, we ensure their deeds are never lost to history.

From the classroom to the United Nations, AWAMO continues to honour the legacy of animal service, raise awareness of their ongoing contributions, and inspire future generations to show respect and compassion for animals worldwide.

Supporting Education and Charities

Our President, Nigel Allsopp, is not only a military veteran and historian but also a published author whose works are held in some of the world’s most prestigious military institutions. Through his generosity and dedication, AWAMO has donated approximately 3,000 books to:
  • Public and school libraries
  • The Queensland Education Department
  • Ronald McDonald House
  • Children’s hospitals across Australia
  • Universities and historical societies
  • RSLs and veterans’ groups
  • Charities supporting assistance dogs and equine therapy
Many of these books have been given to RSLs and veterans’ organisations to sell and raise funds for their own community projects, such as supporting PTSD assistance dogs and equine therapy programs.

By providing these resources, AWAMO ensures that the stories of war animals remain accessible, inspiring, and educational for students of all ages.

Prestigious Collections

Nigel’s works are recognised globally and are proudly held at institutions such as:

  • Sandhurst Military Academy, UK
  • Imperial War Museum, UK
  • Royal Army Veterinary Corps Library, UK
  • West Point Military Academy Library, USA
  • National WWII Museum, New Orleans, USA
  • US Marine Corps Library, Quantico, VA, USA
  • National Army Museum, New Zealand
  • Duntroon Military Academy, Australia
  • Australian War Memorial
  • His books A Centenary of War Animals and Cry Havoc: The History of War Dogs have also been donated to Vision Australia for conversion into accessible formats for the vision-impaired, and his New Zealand War Animals history was donated to the NZ Blind Foundation along with $1,500 to fund processing.

Why It Matters

Through these donations and publications, AWAMO ensures that:

  • Children learn compassion by discovering the bravery of animals in war.
  • History is preserved in schools, libraries, and communities worldwide.
  • Future generations are inspired to value both remembrance and conservation.

Children’s Books & Indigenous History

Sharing stories with children helps build compassion, awareness, and understanding of animals in service.

Smoky

A children’s book about the world’s first recorded PTSD assistance dog.

Nigel donated 50% of the proceeds to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Uncle Finny's War

This children’s book, praised by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Indigenous Elders, highlights the role of Indigenous soldiers.

Plans are underway to donate copies to remote and Indigenous schools as part of reconciliation efforts.

The History of War Animals

Distributed freely to all Australian schools via the Education Board, translated into French for schools surrounding the Australian War Animal Memorial in France, and adapted for the American education system.

The Purple Poppy

Aimed at children under eight, this book introduces the history of war animals in an age-appropriate way.

It has already been gifted to hundreds of schools across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA.

Support AWAMO’s Educational Work

By contributing to our programs, together, we can ensure the stories of animals in service live on for generations to come.

International Educational Outreach

AWAMO ensures that educational materials reach students globally.

The History of War Animals has been:

Donated to all Australian schools through the Education Board as a free download

Translated into French, with copies provided to schools surrounding the Australian War Animal Memorial on the Western Front

Adapted for American students and donated to the US Education Department

Through these efforts, AWAMO continues to preserve the legacy of war animals, making their history accessible and inspiring to students worldwide.
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