The “I-Want-To-Be-A-Vet” (IWBAV) project was begun to expose and provide school learners, especially those from less privileged areas, with more information about the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Pretoria. Additionally, the aim is to encourage learners to seriously consider Veterinary Science or Veterinary Nursing as a career. This project was created by the Onderstepoort Veterinary and Paraveterinary Student Committee (OPVSC) of 2010, starting off with approximately 13 school learners. Currently, this project has grown to an estimate of 100 school learners and is still carried out by OPVSC, however, the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Junior Tukkie and Hill’s have also become important stakeholders of this project.

After months of planning, the weekend for “I-Want-To-Be-A-Vet” (IWBAV) 2019 had finally arrived. This weekend spanned over the 12 – 14 April and alternated between two locations – the Onderstepoort (OP) campus and Kwalata Game Lodge in Dinokeng.

Once the learners had arrived at OP, we began the programme with a breakdown as to what the weekend would entail. The learners were then presented with interesting and motivating talks from various people such as Prof Holm (Vice-dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science), Prof Qekwana (Head of Community Engagement at the Faculty of Veterinary Science), Petrus Lombard (Project manager at Junior Tukkie), Dr. Kashmika Gurunand (Community Veterinary Services Veterinarian) and Sr. Dalene Janse Van Vuuren (Representative from Hill’s). We were then off to Kwalata to spend the night where the learners were divided into groups and invented amazing war cries.

When Saturday rolled in, the learners geared up in greens and gumboots and were ready to take on the jam-packed day ahead! Learners, in their groups, rotated around different stations which were managed by our own veterinary science/nursing students. The animal stations included dogs, horses, sheep and cattle. At these stations, the learners were shown basic procedures such as determining body condition score, herding, understanding behaviour and body language, auscultation of different body parts and demonstrating tricks for the dogs. Other stations included the Pathology station, the Skills Lab station and the Ethic station. Upon entering the pathology hall, learners were met with the characteristic repellent smell but left with smiles as this was a popular station. Using our world class models, the Skills lab station taught learners fundamental skills and lastly, at the Ethics station, learners were given cases challenging their concepts of ethics and professionalism.

Once the stations ended, two veterinary nurse students (one of which is an IWBAV alumni) presented speeches about their degree. At the beginning of IWBAV, we asked about how many learners wanted to be a veterinary nurse and our question was met with silence. At the end of IWBAV, we again asked the same question but was met with more enthusiastic responses. It was heart-warming to know that we changed people’s perceptions, even if it was just a few. Once returning to Kwalata and freshening up, each group had to create a short performance for a Talent Show. By the end of the talent show, most people were bent over from laughter as it was truly entertaining. Additionally, it was remarkable to see how much effort and creativity each group put into the show. The night was concluded with an awards ceremony where certain learners who exhibited bravery and much interest in the stations were awarded. The OPVSC also hosted a social media competition of which the winner was announced then.

On Saturday and Sunday morning, learners were treated to morning game drives at Kwalata where we had the opportunity to spot some animals including a few cheetahs. The aim of this was to expose learners to the wildlife side of Veterinary Science. When Sunday arrived, after handing out a few keepsakes such as bags, t-shirts and memory sticks, we bid a sad adieu to all the learners.

Many of us entered the faculty of Veterinary Science not ever knowing what the IWBAV project is. Although there were a few obstacles along the way, the amazing support that came through from our team of volunteers, the OPVSC committee, faculty management, Junior Tukkie and Kwalata was overwhelming. These are the learners we may work with one day in practice or out in the field and it is these perceptions we wanted to, and we did, change. To reach even one mind, one child or motivating just one individual to make a change and adopt an improved mindset is doing more than one could ask for! Although the academic sphere is our priority as students, life stretches so much further than the walls of our classrooms. Make a difference where it counts!