Festive hampers filled with treats for children and their beloved dogs were handed out last Friday at Funda Nenja – The children and the dogs left with very full hearts.
Mpophomeni, South Africa (05 December 2022) – Every year, as the school year draws to a close, so do the lessons at Funda Nenja. To make sure each of the children and their dogs is rewarded for the hard work of the year, the team makes up festive hampers. These are filled with goodies for both the child and their beloved pet.
The festive hamper drive was a success and all the children left beaming from ear to ear. Their loyal pups couldn’t contain their wagging tails either!
Funda Nenja, a dog training initiative, is run in the township of Mpophomeni, near Howick, in the KZN Midlands of South Africa. They focus on animal welfare in the area by providing dog training lessons to the children.
These lessons teach the dogs some skills and help the children bond with their pets to form a deeper connection. The classes help educate children about animal welfare and encourage them to show their families how to treat animals. This helps minimise the amount of animal abuse and neglect within the community.
The classes are hosted each week at the local school, and as part of the programme, the dogs involved get checked up by the primary veterinary clinic. For any animals not inoculated yet, get it done right there.
The festive packs were filled with fun and yummy goodies for both the child and their beloved dog. The children got gifted sweet treats and the dogs, enough pellets and wet food to enjoy over the festive break. Many donors and sponsors came together to make this possible.
This year, the team made up 80 packs for the children and got to hand them out at the final Funda Nenja class of 2022.
“Last Friday was the last day of the 2022 dog school programme for the kids attending classes. 60 youngsters were each gifted with a goody bag crammed with items for both child and dog which will being some pleasure to both. Working in an area where many people are struggling with the harshness that poverty brings, it was good to know that we had helped to bring some Christmas cheer to those less fortunate. Our grateful thanks to all those who made this possible. Together we make a difference.”
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