Dog School Nurtures Empathy and Provides Therapy For Mpophomeni Kids

Photo Credit: Funda Nenja

With its dog school set to open this Friday, Funda Nenja is excited to continue its pawsome mission of teaching children how to care for dogs and helping them learn about kindness, empathy, and responsibility, all while building some wholesome relationships with their furry friends!

Mpophomeni, South Africa (15 January 2025) – Many townships and underserved communities are characterised by various social ills and challenges. It’s a sad reality, but a reality nonetheless.

Fortunately, there are beacons of hope like Funda Nenja that carry out incredible work at the heart of such areas, mending broken spirits, nurturing compassion and bringing welfare to previously mistreated dogs.

As some community members can attest, Funda Nenja has shifted the mindset of many Mpophomeni residents, especially children, to see dogs as pets that are worthy of care and attention, as well as friends that can truly fulfil their lives.

According to the organisation, a lack of compassion is symptomatic of anti-social and violent behaviour, which is so sadly common in our country.

But through bonding and building relationships with dogs at the Funda Nenja Dog School Programme, volunteers have discovered how these are therapeutic processes which nurture kindness and empathy, in addition to releasing oxytocin – the love hormone – in their learners.

Vamokuhle Mhlongo a learner who joined the dog school programme last year in August, said that since joining Funda Nenja she has learnt a lot about dogs and animal welfare, noting that it was wrong to chain a dog or allow them to get involved in fights as it is a violation animal rights.

“Our education programmes help Mpophomeni dog owners like Vamokuhle to be responsible and caring, thus ensuring a good quality of life for their canine companions. We can’t make the world a perfect place, but we can make it a little better.

“We look forward to reopening our dog school on Friday, 17 January and helping young people learn how to be kind to their dogs and enjoy the magic of a loving relationship with their four-legged companions,” the organisation said.