Seeds of change can be planted anywhere – even on sidewalks! Animal welfare volunteer Nomfundo is turning simple street corners into inspiring classrooms, teaching township children that their furry friends deserve high-fives and a whole lot of love and care!
Amanzimtoti, South Africa (13 October 2025) – Sometimes, the most impactful work happens in the humblest of places. A sidewalk isn’t a typical place one would imagine as the prime setting to inspire a positive perspective, a shift in ingrained attitudes, or to plant the seeds for meaningful change in how young people treat and care for animals.
However, for Nomfundo, the side of the road is the perfect place to engage with township children. Through the SPCA Amanzimtoti Edu-Paw’s Sidewalk Programme, she is helping them to see their pets and other animals they may encounter as valuable creatures, worthy of being treated with care and respect.
Each week, Nomfundo gives a basic canine care lesson to the children, inspiring them to register and join the next Edu Paw class. She then teaches and facilitates a full 8-week programme for the registered children, guiding them with patience, passion, and love.
Last week, for example, was all about teamwork in action as the amazing volunteers worked together to teach the class how to make their own dog shampoo as a simple, cost-effective, and effective solution against germs and fleas.
Nomfundo and Sphelele led the teaching, while Sbusiso and Sphesihle gave hands-on help with preparing the ingredients and showing the kids how it’s done.
“Nomfundo is an incredible, dedicated, and loyal volunteer who continues to give her heart to both the kids and their dogs every week,” Edu-Paw said.
At Edu-Paw, children are given practical, affordable ways to care for their dogs. Teaching the next generation how to care for their pets means healthier, happier dogs and stronger bonds between the children and their furry friends.
Supporters of the educational non-profit organisation can help boost Nomfundo’s efforts, which are actively helping nurture a future generation of advocates for animal welfare by donating to the banking details below:
Amanzimtoti SPCA
FNB
Cheque Account
Acc Number: 62807184552
Branch code: 220127
Reference: Edu Paw
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Sources: SPCA Amanzimtoti Edu-Paw
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