The Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Khayelitsha is thrilled to introduce its new school education programme, designed to equip young minds with knowledge about animal care. This educational initiative officially kicked off on 18 August 2023 and is tailored for Grade 4 students, aged 11 to 12, in Khayelitsha.
Situated just outside Cape Town, South Africa, Khayelitsha is an expansive township home to an estimated one million people and around 300 000 domestic animals.
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The Mdzananda Animal Clinic, a permanent establishment and a registered NPO, provides vital veterinary services and serves as a shelter for animals in this community. Their comprehensive services include consultations, hospitalisation, general and orthopaedic surgeries, sterilisation clinics, mobile clinics, an animal ambulance and a shelter for homeless pets.
The clinic places a strong emphasis on community empowerment and education, striving to promote responsible pet ownership in the future.
The Mdzananda school education programme is incorporated into the life skills curriculum during the third term of the school year. It introduces students to the fundamental concept of the five freedoms of animal welfare while nurturing empathy and understanding towards animals.
To facilitate learning, each student receives a ‘Hero in Our Hood’ activity book and crayons, encouraging participation in interactive animal care activities. Additionally, they benefit from a talk delivered by the clinic’s community engagement officer.
The programme’s inaugural session took place at Nomsa Maphomgwana Primary School, where 175 enthusiastic learners eagerly participated. The second school, with 200 eager students, received their educational session on 8 September 2023.
The Mdzananda Animal Clinic is committed to expanding its reach, with two more schools, Chuma and Ekusi Primary Schools, scheduled to receive educational sessions by 9 September 2023.
‘It is wonderful to see so many children eager to learn about their animals’ health care and welfare,’ said Sister Heidi May, the general manager of the clinic.
In addition to their school education programme, Mdzananda engages in education through various avenues. This includes speaking with visitors to their organisation, providing door-to-door education, conducting one-on-one educational sessions during their mobile clinics, and participating in outreach events within the community.
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In the first half of 2023, Mdzananda’s education programmes have already made a significant impact:
- Door-to-door education reached 267 households.
- Mobile clinics educated 3 044 people.
- 708 individuals received education on-site.
- Outreach programmes touched the lives of 76 participants.
Marcelle du Plessis, the fundraising and communications executive at Mdzananda Animal Clinic, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Welttierschutzgesellschaft (WTG), a German animal welfare organisation, for their sponsorship of the mobile clinics and door-to-door education initiatives.
Du Plessis also extended her appreciation to the generous members of the public whose donations sustain the clinic’s vital work.
In an exciting development, Mdzananda Animal Clinic is already in the planning stages for its ‘Puppy Child Programme,’ slated for launch in 2025. This innovative initiative will pair children with puppies to grow and learn together, acquiring skills such as behaviour, health and compassion.
‘Education is at the heart of our organisation, as we believe that empowering people to become the best pet owners they can be is the long-term solution,’ said du Plessis.
For those interested in supporting Mdzananda’s education programmes and contributing to their impactful work, donations are welcome:
- Account name: Mdzananda Animal Clinic
- Bank: Standard Bank
- Type: Savings account
- Account number: 075595710
- Branch code: 025009
- Reference: Education + your name
For further information about Mdzananda Animal Clinic and its various initiatives, please visit www.mdzananda.co.za or contact [email protected].
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Picture: Supplied