A school is a great place for humans to learn new things. However, there are times when it becomes apparent that school is not just a place for humans. animals sometimes enjoy attending classes, and it’s truly fascinating. Let’s meet Tomi today! He is a stray tabby cat who enjoys exploring schools. One day, he joined a wonderful class and decided to become part of it.
Source: Özlem Pınar Ivaşcu
Source: Özlem Pınar Ivaşcu
Source: Özlem Pınar Ivaşcu
Source: Özlem Pınar Ivaşcu
Source: Özlem Pınar Ivaşcu
Source: Özlem Pınar Ivaşcu
Source: Özlem Pınar Ivaşcu
Source: Özlem Pınar Ivaşcu
On the grounds of a public elementary school in the Turkish city of Izmir, Tombi first appeared in 2018. Tombi was friendly and outgoing, in contrast to the majority of stray cats, which can be quite timid. He approached children outside in search of attention and pets.
Source: Özlem Pınar Ivaşcu
Although Tombi had become accustomed to moving around the school garden, the adorable cat soon decided he would like to make himself a little more at home. Tombi started off by trying things out in the third-grade classroom. Teacher Zlem Pnar Ivaşcu told The Dodo, "He entered our classroom. The children liked him very much.”
And just like that, Tombi became part of Mrs. Ivaşcu's class.
Source: Özlem Pınar Ivaşcu
It might appear that a cat prowling around the classroom would be a complete distraction for young students, possibly impeding their ability to learn, but Ivaşcu discovered that Tombi was having the opposite effect.
In between lessons, Ivaşcu's pupils would run and horse around the room. But with a cat nearby to entertain them, they were able to concentrate more easily. Even the morning bell sounded better because of Tombi.
In between lessons, Ivaşcu's pupils would run and horse around the room. But with a cat nearby to entertain them, they were able to concentrate more easily. Even the morning bell sounded better because of Tombi.
Source: Özlem Pınar Ivaşcu
“The children come on time to school, and they are taking care of Tombi,” Ivaşcu said. “This is good for them.”
Not only were the kids doing well, but Tombi was too; he had a cozy place to sleep and eat and received a lot of care and attention. He was even taken to the veterinarian by Mrs. Ivaşcu for a checkup and vaccines.
Not only were the kids doing well, but Tombi was too; he had a cozy place to sleep and eat and received a lot of care and attention. He was even taken to the veterinarian by Mrs. Ivaşcu for a checkup and vaccines.
The situation in Ivaşcu's class had never been better, but then a problem appeared that might put an end to it.
Source: Özlem Pınar Ivaşcu
When a parent learned that a stray cat was in the area, they complained about it. They claimed it was a health risk, and administrators agreed with the parent, forcing Tombi to leave.
“We found a home for Tombi and he stayed three days there, but he was not happy. He stopped eating,” Mrs. İvaşcu said. “So I took him in at my house, but also here he was not very happy.” Tombi's friends at the school even wrote letters to try and cheer him up.
“We found a home for Tombi and he stayed three days there, but he was not happy. He stopped eating,” Mrs. İvaşcu said. “So I took him in at my house, but also here he was not very happy.” Tombi's friends at the school even wrote letters to try and cheer him up.
When Mrs. Vaşcu noticed that the cat's depression was getting worse, she turned to social media for support, and Tombi's tale quickly went viral.
Source: Özlem Pınar Ivaşcu
"The story got a lot of attention and support on all TV news," İvaşcu said. "I had a lot of support from many people, including from my manager and the director of education in İzmir."
Even the complaining parent had a change of heart. She also desired the cat's return to class. And sure enough, Tombi was permitted to return by school officials.
Even the complaining parent had a change of heart. She also desired the cat's return to class. And sure enough, Tombi was permitted to return by school officials.
That year, Vaşcu was motivated to write and publish a book about Tombi after observing the cat's beneficial effects on her class of young students.
Source: Özlem Pınar Ivaşcu
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