The I Wanna Be a Vet Professional weekend is an annual initiative that was recently hosted by the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science for the 13^th time. The faculty’s Onderstepoort Paraveterinary and Veterinary Student Committee (OPVSC) started this event in 2010 to encourage school learners, especially previously disadvantaged learners to develop an interest in veterinary science.

Top achieving learners from all 9 provinces in our country, who have shown interest in this field and have the correct subject choices (Mathematics and Physical Science) are selected to attend this eye-opening event. The faculty’s aim is to provide them with an unforgettable experience by exposing them to day-to-day activities that are carried out by qualified veterinary nurses and veterinarians, assisted by our students.

The average number of leaners selected for this event has always been a maximum of 60 but this year was unprecedented when the faculty’s Onderstepoort campus successfully hosted 78 learners for the very first time. They filled lecture hall 1-37 in anticipation of the 3-day event and received warm welcome messages from the Dean of the faculty, Prof Vinny Naidoo, and Prof Rhoda Leask, Deputy Dean: Teaching & Learning at the faculty.

During the weekend the OPVSC not only showcased the state-of-the-art facilities on campus, but the learners experienced numerous practicals and demonstrations which included activities involving cows, pathology, goats, horses, anatomy and Beagle dogs. Some learners have never been to our campus before while others have never touched or come even close to a cow, goat or horse.

The weekend was fun-filled and there was also time for a games and Q and A session on Saturday evening that was arranged by the student committee who worked eagerly to create everlasting memories for these inquisitive minds. The quite successful weekend was concluded with a Sunday morning breakfast at UP’s Future Africa’s campus.

One of the groups of learners at a pathology session.