University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria
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Veterinary Science
I want to save lives one day Tandile Ndobeni BVSc IV student
Prof Linda van Ryneveld, the Director: Teaching and Learning, invited me to attend a selection workshop on 22 January 2015. After the workshop I was keen to host a career event at the school I matriculated at in the Eastern Cape.
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nitially, the idea was to tell students from underprivileged communities about veterinary science as an exciting and soul-fulfilling field of study. I approached Mr Vattakunel, the Principal of the Khanyisa High School in Mthatha and told him I wanted to give back to the school and thank them for what they had meant to me, by organising a career event.
“There is no passion to be found in playing small; settling for a life that is less than the one you deserve�
Dr Yonela Nkubungu (dressed as a researcher), Tandile Ndobeni (dressed as a clinician), Siviwe Marawula (dressed as a wildlife veterinarian) and Songezo Pepu (dressed as a production veterinarian) explained and showed learners different aspects of veterinary science. Dr Kolisa Nokoyo talked about her experience as a veterinary professional, which made the students aware of the career opportunities after qualifying as a vet. The students also received information about bursaries from Mr Funani, who is responsible for bursaries at the Department of Agriculture in Bisho.
Dr Yonela Nkubungu shared his own inspiring journey to becoming a veterinarian and reminded the youngsters that even if one comes from a disadvantaged family, studying with determination is, and always will be, the best route to success.
Nelson Mandela
The Deputy Principal, Ms Lawana and Ms Ben (one of the teachers) were very excited about the idea and helped with the arrangements. When Siviwe Marawula addressed the learners, it was a shock to realise that approximately 90% of the students did not know about the field, and those who did, thought it was all just about dogs and cats. What a great moment when I saw the faces of the students light up as I played the Faculty of Veterinary Science video during the presentation.
Thandile Ndobeni tells learners about veterinary science.