Kerenza Chats with Champions: Transforming Lives with Funda Nenja

Funda Nenja (‘learning with a dog’ in isiZulu), a unique South African organization, is transforming lives — both human and canine — through its community-driven approach to education and animal welfare. Founded in 2009 by dog trainer and animal behaviorist Adrienne Olivier, Funda Nenja began as a small holiday dog-training program in Mpophomeni township. Lisa, now the project administrator, shares how this grassroots initiative has organically blossomed into a life-changing organization.

Lisa’s journey with Funda Nenja began as a volunteer and quickly grew into a full-time commitment. “After many years in corporate work, I found my place doing something I truly love,” she explains. Funda Nenja’s programs address a critical need for education in underserved communities, providing lessons in dog training, humane care, and responsible ownership. But the organization’s impact goes beyond just dogs—it empowers children, strengthens families, and builds safer, healthier communities.

An Interview with Lisa: Education and Rabies Work

1. How does Funda Nenja use education to improve the bond between children and their dogs?
Lisa: When children first come to Funda Nenja, many are disconnected from their dogs—some are even scared of them. We start by teaching the children about the “five freedoms” for animal welfare, dog body language, and how dogs have feelings just like us. This education helps kids understand their pets and builds trust. Over time, we see incredible transformations. Children who were once fearful become confident, compassionate caregivers, and the bond they form with their dogs is heartwarming to witness.

2. What role does rabies vaccination play in your work?
Lisa: Rabies vaccination is a critical part of our program because it protects both the dogs and the community. Every Friday, we run a pop-up  veterinary clinic where dogs receive vaccinations, deworming, and basic care. We also organize mass rabies vaccination campaigns in surrounding areas, working closely with local leaders to ensure high turnout. These outreach efforts help create a healthier dog population and reduce the risk of rabies outbreaks, which can be devastating for humans and animals alike.

3. What challenges do you face in delivering rabies vaccinations?
Lisa: One of the biggest challenges is reaching people in remote areas or those unfamiliar with our services, who may even be suspicious of the free services offered. To address this, we rely on key community members to help spread the word. For example, a recent campaign succeeded because a local resident took the lead in advertising it and we vaccinated approximately 270 dogs within 4 hours. Another challenge is securing suitable venues, but we’ve learned to adapt. For example, one venue had double-booked us and as a result, when we turned up and there was a celebration on, we had to quickly find an alternative location to set up and inform everyone.

4. How do your education and vaccination efforts work together to create lasting change?
Lisa: They’re deeply connected. By educating kids about responsible ownership and providing services like rabies vaccinations, we create a ripple effect. The children no longer fear dogs, they teach their families what they’ve learned, and the entire community starts valuing animal welfare. Over time, this reduces roaming dogs, improves public safety, and strengthens the overall health of both dogs and people in the area.

Closing Words: Communities Against Rabies

Funda Nenja is more than just a dog-training program—it’s a Rabies Center of Excellence under the Communities Against Rabies initiative. This global movement emphasizes the importance of integrating education, vaccination, and community engagement to eliminate rabies. By combining these efforts, Funda Nenja demonstrates how humane and holistic dog population management can protect lives, foster compassion, and bring communities closer together.

For more information about Funda Nenja and how you can support their mission, visit Funda Nenja’s website.

Discover how Communities Against Rabies is working to eliminate rabies through education, vaccination, and community engagement. Learn how your organization can become a Rabies Center of Excellence and make a lasting impact.