RABIES EDUCATION PROJECT 2026
Empowering learners, teachers, and communities with practical, lifesaving rabies awareness.
In collaboration with Stop Rabies, an initiative by Boehringer Ingelheim, Khula Vet is delivering a free school-based rabies education programme across KwaZulu-Natal. Our goal is to equip children with simple, safe, memorable lessons that prevent dog bites, promote early reporting, and ultimately save lives.
About the 2026 Project
The Khula Rabies Education Project is a child-focused, school-based programme designed to teach essential knowledge about rabies, dog-bite prevention, and safe interactions with dogs. The programme uses practical demonstrations, child-friendly visuals, and clear take-home messages to ensure understanding at both Foundation and Intermediate Phase levels.
Building on the 2024 Pilot Success:
In 2024, Khula Vet delivered a highly successful pilot, reaching:
- 4,700 learners
- 71 teachers
- Strong support from local veterinarians and welfare organisations
This foundation paved the way for a strong, expanded rollout in 2026.
Why This Matters:
KwaZulu-Natal remains South Africa’s highest-risk province for canine-mediated human rabies. Recurrent cases in dogs, together with wildlife reservoir hosts, mean prevention through education is essential.
The 2026 programme supports South Africa’s National Strategy for the Elimination of Canine-Mediated Human Rabies (2019–2030).
WHO WE ARE
Khula Vet is a veterinary training organisation founded and led by veterinarians Dr Charlotte Philip and Dr Michelle Markram. We are committed to delivering practical, accessible training that strengthens veterinary teams, animal welfare organisations, and the communities they support. Our approach is rooted in preventative education and the belief that confident, well-trained people create safer, healthier environments for both animals and people.
The 2026 project is delivered in collaboration with Stop Rabies – a global initiative by Boehringer Ingelheim, dedicated to eliminating canine-mediated human rabies.
Stop Rabies supports vaccination, community awareness, and educational programmes worldwide, providing strategic support, resources, and partnership for the Khula Rabies Education Project.
Programme Lead: Daniel Stewart
The programme is led by Daniel Stewart, a South African animal behaviourist with more than 20 years of experience working in animal welfare and education. Daniel has delivered training in over 24 countries, including programmes for the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), CDC, and the Australian Government.
“Many bites happen because children misunderstand how animals communicate. When learners understand safe, kind ways to interact with dogs, they protect themselves and help their families.”
Daniel’s teaching style blends behavioural science with practical, child-friendly demonstrations.
WHAT LEARNERS WILL BE TAUGHT
Why schools are key
Children are the most commonly affected age group for dog bites in South Africa. Schools provide a safe, structured environment for large-scale, effective awareness delivery.
Rabies is almost always fatal – but rabies is 100% preventable
when communities understand:
- How to behave safely around animals
- How to recognise concerning behaviour
- What to do after an exposure
- Why vaccinating dogs is essential
By teaching children, we strengthen families, neighbourhoods, and entire communities.
Where we will be
The 2026 programme will primarily focus on:
- Outer West Durban
- Additional high-risk communities identified by KZN State Veterinary Services
- Schools with little to no access to animal health information
A regional map will be added as visits are scheduled.
HOW SCHOOLS CAN PARTICIPATE
Thinking about hosting the programme at your school? Here’s a quick overview of what to expect and how to get involved.
Yes. The programme is completely free for participating schools.
It is suitable for all ages and grades, from Foundation Phase through to Intermediate and Senior Phase.
Each session runs for approximately one hour.
The school only needs to provide a safe, open area for the training session (indoors or outdoors).
You can book by completing the contact form below, emailing us at rabieseducation@khulavet.co.za, or calling +27 76 658 2574.
Contact Us
Schools in the KZN Outer West Durban area are invited to register their interest below. Complete the form and our team will be in touch to arrange your visit.