Nicolas, then still at school, enjoyed accompanying his mother to work during holidays, where he was able to interact with the animals in this home and help care for them. He matriculated from Khayelitsha High School and realising the importance of furthering his education, enrolled for a three-year marketing diploma at the Cape Technikon. But, his heart was with the animals and every available opportunity saw Nicolas at TEARS, assisting in the kennels.

 

When his diploma was completed, Nicolas had no doubt about his future. It wasn’t in marketing – it was with TEARS and the animals. To begin with we employed Nicolas as a kennel assistant, and on occasions he also assisted our volunteers in the townships. This he so enjoyed, interacting with the residents, helping them and their animals. In February 2004, TEARS was honoured to be chosen as a partner by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in its Community-Led Animal Welfare (CLAW) sterilisation programme. A trained Field Officer was needed, and Nicolas was the obvious choice. A qualification in the animal welfare field would empower him as a formerly disadvantaged South African citizen to provide animal health care in an underprivileged community.

 

Dr Michelle Rietmann of St Francis Vet in Bergvliet, very kindly offered to train Nicolas as an Animal Welfare Assistant, which would enable him to offer primary health care to animals in the townships, eg: vaccinating, deworming, dipping, treating for minor illnesses, dispensing medication, etc. Nicolas was invited to Gauteng to see first hand how the Community-Led Animal Welfare (CLAW) project was run, under the leadership of Cora Bailey. It was an uplifting experience for Nicolas and he gained invaluable practical knowledge during his two-week stay.

 

Nicolas has built up a tremendous rapport with the residents of Masiphumelele, Ocean View and Mountain View Townships. They have such a respect for him and he is known as “food and water” because of the constant reminders he gives to pet owners to care for their animals. Education in disadvantaged communities is so important and Nicolas thoroughly enjoys speaking to school children. He has the ability to interact with the children and captivates them as he gets his message across.

 

Nicolas’s passion for his work is very evident when you talk to him. He bubbles over with enthusiasm as he tells you about his experiences working closely with the residents and animals in the townships. TEARS is very proud of this fine young man who grasped an opportunity with both hands for the benefit of all.