Mohlanatsi is an afterschool programme for underprivileged or orphaned children in the community of Selwane. This government-funded project receives funding for around 30 children per day, however, there are currently over 150 children registered. ARRC provides three nutritious meals per week.

“Every Wednesday go to the aftercare to encourage interactive play and deliver education on various subjects including animal welfare, conservation, life and social skills. “We would appreciate any form of donations ranging from books, school supplies, food, and cash,” explained Dr Lani Anagnostou. ARRC is a non-profit organisation that was established in November 2021 by a group of friends who wanted to make a difference in communities of South Africa.

They offer veterinary health care services to dogs and donkeys in the village and have been involved in numerous projects in the community of Selwane. “We chose Selwane as the residents have limited access to veterinary care. “Also, because the area does not have water, only a few boreholes, they thus rely heavily on donkeys for transport.”

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The projects range from dog and donkey care to children’s education and learning. “How can we expect the next generation to care for their natural world, if they have never experienced it? Selwane borders a nature reserve but barely any of the children have ever seen any of their own country’s wildlife,” Anagnostou added.

They also have a new initiative which they started last year, called Koru Camp, a nonprofit organisation. Koru Camp is situated within a Big 5 game reserve and offers the children an immersive and educational journey where they can experience what their natural world has to offer, in hopes of inspiring a new generation of conservationists.

The children who have already attended have had a life-changing experience, learning not only about the wildlife and flora but also the difference each one of them can make every day. For more information and to become involved, email info@arrc.animalrelief.com.