Supporting working donkey champions

The WDC programme runs in five villages and two townships, teaching people how to work with donkeys and how working animals can contribute to sustainable livelihoods. Many families in the area depend on donkeys for survival, using them to pull carts to market and collect firewood and water. But a lack of knowledge of how to care for them means that the majority of donkeys suffer harness wounds, infection, bit damage, exhaustion and dehydration.

FACE selects and trains Champions in their own communities to combat these issues and gives them the tools to treat basic wounds, infections, and parasites as well as educate owners about their donkey’s health and nutrition. Champions hold workshops for adults and children, teaching the next generation about the importance of donkey welfare.

A year into this project and the change is already noticeable. At first, some owners were suspicious of the WDC programme and worried that their donkeys would be taken from them. But FACE realises that the only way to see permanent change is to work closely with communities to develop trust and close working relationships. More and more people are attending welfare workshops and bringing their animals to Working Donkey Champions for advice and basic veterinary care.

Already the programme is attracting young volunteers who help promote the work in their communities and classrooms, an encouraging sign that the next generation of owners are paying attention to the welfare message.