Snoet tot Stert Field Worker Programme | 21–22 March 2026
There’s something powerful about people coming together for a shared purpose, especially when that purpose is improving the lives of animals in their communities.
On 21–22 March 2026, EberVet Veterinary Community Veterinary Care, along with Community Animal Action (CAA), hosted an intensive two-day Field Worker Training Programme called ‘Snoet tot Stert, bringing together a passionate group of volunteers eager to make a difference. Kindly hosted at a venue sponsored by a generous Gansbaai resident, nine participants took part in a hands-on learning experience designed to equip them with practical animal care skills.
Building Skills That Matter
The training focused on one key goal: empowering community members to confidently manage basic animal health concerns, while understanding when professional veterinary care is needed.
With veterinary costs placing a significant strain on NPO budgets, this kind of knowledge is invaluable. The more cases that can be safely managed at home, the more resources can be reserved for critical care.
Participants worked through approximately 80 common conditions, supported by practical demonstrations and a guided community walkabout. The result was a deeply immersive experience that bridged the gap between theory and real-world application.
Real Feedback from the Field
The impact of the training was clear in the feedback shared by attendees:
“Extremely informative… I feel more confident knowing what to look out for.”
“Eye-opening… it showed the reality of what’s really happening out there.”
“Packed with value… practical, hands-on, and easy to apply in the field or at home.”
“I learned so much… I now have knowledge I can truly use. I’m incredibly grateful.”
These reflections highlight not only the quality of the training but also its relevance, grounded in the real challenges communities face every day.
Learning from Experience
The programme was led by Sr. Hilda Mills, who travelled from Laingsburg, alongside Dr Beer from EberVet CVC. Their combined experience in animal welfare brought depth, insight, and authenticity to every session.
Their approach was not only educational but also engaging, creating an environment where participants felt comfortable, involved and inspired to learn.
Looking Ahead
The overwhelmingly positive response to the training reinforces the importance of accessible, community-based animal welfare education. There is clear potential to expand this programme further, including offering it in additional languages to reach even more communities.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Snoet tot Stert extends sincere thanks to Adele Kokt and Dee Henderson from CAA for their support in making this training possible, and to every participant who showed up with enthusiasm, compassion, and a willingness to learn.
Because real change starts at the community level, and this is what it looks like.
