The Animal Anti-Cruelty League Johannesburg AACL-JHB welcomed members of the Johannesburg Mini-Council to its Community Wellness Hospital and shelter for a morning of volunteering, learning and caring for animals.

The visit gave the Grade Seven learners an opportunity to experience the daily work of one of Johannesburg’s oldest animal welfare organisations.

The Johannesburg Mini-Council has been developing young leaders since it was established in 1972.

Made up of Grade Seven learners from primary schools across the city, the council encourages leadership, community service and making a positive difference.

Through projects such as the Easter Egg Drive and the Have a Heart Winter Donation Campaign, members have supported both vulnerable people and animals across Johannesburg.

During their visit to AACL-JHB, the learners were taken on a tour of the shelter before getting involved in volunteer work.

They changed out of their school uniforms and into comfortable clothes to help in the grooming parlour, where they assisted with bathing and grooming dogs and cats that had been rescued after being abandoned or found as strays.

The grooming session was filled with smiles, wagging tails and plenty of bubbles as the learners worked alongside shelter staff to help the animals feel clean and comfortable.

The group also visited Freedom Village, where they spent time with the resident cats, giving them affection, enrichment and companionship.

AACL-JHB marketing manager Carren Nickloes said volunteering was an important part of the visit.

“There is no better way to understand animal welfare than by experiencing it first-hand. While many people associate shelters only with the difficult realities of neglect and cruelty, there is so much positivity behind the scenes. Every volunteer, no matter how young, plays a role in improving the lives of the animals in our care. The students embraced every activity with enthusiasm, compassion and genuine kindness, making a meaningful difference to our animals,” she said.

Nickloes added that inspiring the next generation of caring leaders remains an important part of AACL-JHB’s mission.

“A heartfelt thank you to the Johannesburg Mini-Council students for spending the morning with us. Your willingness to give your time and energy reminds us that the future is in caring hands.

“It is incredibly encouraging to see Johannesburg’s youth so passionate about both animal welfare and serving their communities. We hope this experience has inspired them to continue making a positive difference wherever they go,” she said.