Funda Nenja

Funda Nenja Funda Nenja is a unique One Welfare NPO that uses a holistic approach to promote animal welfare and social change.

Funda Nenja roughly translates from isiZulu as ‘learning with a dog’. The aim is to develop respect and compassion for all living beings by using dog training as a vehicle. The project runs in the township of Mpophomeni, near Howick, in the KZN Midlands of South Africa. An average of 100 children and their dogs attend the weekly dog training sessions which happen on Friday afternoons at Sifisesihl

e Primary School in the township. Classes are given by volunteer instructors, all of whom have gone through the training program themselves. Regular workshops are held for the approximately 20 community volunteers in order to increase their knowledge of dog training and behaviour, as well as enhancing their teaching skills. All dogs on the program are fitted with a collar and a lead and are dewormed. The handlers are given training treats during classes and for training at home. The overall health and welfare of the animals is monitored for disease etc and dogs needing veterinary attention are given free veterinary care. Funda Nenja also sterilises dogs registered in the dog school programme free of charge. Children on the program learn about animal welfare and how to train their dogs while learning self-discipline, commitment and responsibility which encourages personal growth and self-worth. The well-being of children is cared for by the services of a Social Worker who engages with the children and intervenes if their families need support in areas such as counseling, accessing vital documents for social grants or referrals to other agencies. At each training session the learners are given a fruit juice and a piece of fruit.

Our animal welfare education staff regularly give lessons to our dog school learners on Friday afternoons. Last Friday, ...
01/09/2026

Our animal welfare education staff regularly give lessons to our dog school learners on Friday afternoons.

Last Friday, Nomonde covered the 5 Domains of animal welfare, in addition to briefly covering canine body language and safety around dogs.

The learners watched a relevant video followed by an activity from Hero in my Hood story activity books .

Education is the key to change and we take every opportunity to do that.

Tasky is one more dog whose quality of life has improved thanks to Funda Nenja's outreach work.Tasky's family ordered a ...
31/08/2026

Tasky is one more dog whose quality of life has improved thanks to Funda Nenja's outreach work.

Tasky's family ordered a subsidised kennel from Funda Nenja, and when our staff delivered it they found this sweet dog restricted to a short chain.

It was also clear that Tasky had previously produced puppies.

Our animal welfare education staff advised the family on how best to care for their dog and a subsequent visit found Tasky enjoying freedom of movement with the short chain no longer in evidence.

The family also agreed to take advantage of the free sterilisation service that Funda Nenja offers to Mpophomeni residents, resulting in Tasky being sterilised at our August clinic.

By educating and supporting the community, we can raise the standard of animal welfare in the community we serve, one dog at a time.

Our family support program includes a feeding scheme for vulnerable children. Our social worker recently shared this rep...
30/08/2026

Our family support program includes a feeding scheme for vulnerable children. Our social worker recently shared this report:

"Funda Nenja has been providing freshly cooked, nutritious meals to children from diverse family backgrounds to support nutrition, school readiness, wellbeing, and community resilience.

Many families in the community face food insecurity, limited access to balanced meals, and financial or social stressors that affect children’s nutrition and development.

We cater for children aged 3–17, including preschoolers, primary and secondary learners, some living in vulnerable household situations, low income, single-parent homes, households affected by unemployment, low income or substance misuse.

It is so wonderful to hear children thanking their helping aunts after every meal."

Our One Welfare approach, which recognises the link between animals and people, is instrumental in achieving social change in Mpophomeni.

We missed International Dog Day on the 26 August, but then EVERY day is a dog day at Funda Nenja.Our mission is to promo...
28/08/2026

We missed International Dog Day on the 26 August, but then EVERY day is a dog day at Funda Nenja.

Our mission is to promote lasting change in the community we serve by working with the people, while supporting and empowering companion animal guardians.

Our weekly dog school sessions nurtures the human-animal bond which gives us hope for a kinder, more compassionate future.

Funda Nenja needs your help.If we can reach a minimum of 250 NEW MyDifference supporters of Funda Nenja we stand a chanc...
27/08/2026

Funda Nenja needs your help.

If we can reach a minimum of 250 NEW MyDifference supporters of Funda Nenja we stand a chance of winning a prize.

Please sign up if you haven't already done so, share this post and encourage your family and friends to do the same.

It's an easy way to support our vital outreach program

Thanks for sharing our story Ferguson Media
26/08/2026

Thanks for sharing our story Ferguson Media

The support of a family member elder boosts a child's confidence and emotional well-being. The Funda Nenja dog school pr...
26/08/2026

The support of a family member elder boosts a child's confidence and emotional well-being.

The Funda Nenja dog school provides a safe space where kids and family members can enjoy time together, along with their dogs.

Cosmo has accompanied his grandchild every Friday afternoon since Omphile joined the program with Rock, the family dog, at the beginning of this month.

Last Friday was a theory lesson for the new intake which didn't require the presence of the dogs so Cosmos offered to relax outside the classroom with Rock. He also assisted our Dog School Manager with some translations which was a great help.

We appreciate those families who embrace all that Funda Nenja offers and who support their children and dogs as best they can.

Our Dog School Manager / Board Secretary had the privilege of attending a training workshop hosted by the Dept of Social...
25/08/2026

Our Dog School Manager / Board Secretary had the privilege of attending a training workshop hosted by the Dept of Social Development to equip NPO's with skills and knowledge on Governance and Compliance.

It is critical that as a responsible NPO we ensure that we are always up to date on all legal and compliance requirements and can improve our policies and processes.

The workshop was presented by representatives from the National DSD office, together with regional and local representatives and was well attended by NPO'S from the Umgungundlovu municipal area.

We love it when Good Things Guy shares our stories.
24/08/2026

We love it when Good Things Guy shares our stories.

Funda Nenja’s Friday classes are helping children develop responsibility and compassion through practical learning with their dogs

Address

Mpophomeni Sports Stadium
Mpophomeni
3290

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