From the 17th to the 24th of June 2026, eight VetBooks for Africa team members embarked on a week-long expedition to Zimbabwe. While short in duration, this trip served as an important trial run for our ambitious December 2026 expedition, which will see us travel through seven African countries over five weeks, delivering educational resources and veterinary supplies to institutions and communities in need.
As a student-led non-profit organisation based at the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science, VetBooks for Africa works to bridge the gap in veterinary education across the continent. Through sponsorships, donations and fundraising efforts, we collect and distribute textbooks, medical journals, equipment and supplies to veterinary students and institutions with limited access to these essential resources.
Our primary destination for our recent trip, was the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Zimbabwe in Harare, where we delivered a significant donation of veterinary textbooks, journals, equipment and educational materials. Access to up-to-date veterinary resources remains a challenge for many students across Africa, and our goal is to help strengthen veterinary education by ensuring future veterinarians have access to the knowledge and tools they need to succeed. By supporting veterinary students today, we contribute to a stronger veterinary profession across the continent tomorrow.
This trip would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. We extend our sincere gratitude to Vitaspec, Savannah Aircraft Africa and Montego Pet Nutrition for their invaluable contributions and belief in our mission.
A special thank you must also go to the Ford Wildlife Foundation for the sponsorship of two exceptional vehicles from their fleet: a Ford Everest Sport and a Ford Ranger Tremor. Covering close to 3,000 kilometres over the course of the week, the vehicles proved to be comfortable, reliable and a pleasure to drive. They carried both our team and our donations safely across long distances and varying road conditions. Without the Foundation’s support, the significant cost of vehicle hire would have reduced the funds available for our upcoming December expedition. Their contribution enabled us to maximise the impact of every donation received.
Along the way, we were privileged to extend our outreach beyond just the university. Additional donations were delivered to Kasipiti Children’s Home, Twala Animal Trust, a local primary school and a rural primary animal healthcare veterinary clinic on route. Every stop reminded us that meaningful change often happens through small acts of generosity and collaboration, and we remain committed to making a difference wherever our journey takes us.
Of course, the trip was about more than deliveries alone. We camped in some truly beautiful locations across Zimbabwe, waking up to breathtaking landscapes and crisp winter mornings. While the temperatures were often freezing, the experience brought our team closer together. Long hours on the road, shared campfires and a common purpose strengthened friendships and created memories that will stay with us for years to come.
As we return home and begin preparations for the December trip, we do so with renewed motivation and a clear vision for the future. There is still considerable work ahead in terms of fundraising and securing sponsorships to make the larger expedition possible. However, we are encouraged by the growing support behind our mission and by a storeroom already filled with donated supplies, waiting to reach the next group of veterinary students who need them most.
VetBooks for Africa is built on passion, determination and the belief that access to education can transform lives. We are incredibly grateful to the Ford Wildlife Foundation for partnering with us on this journey and helping us turn that belief into action. We look forward to continuing this relationship and working together to create an even greater impact across Africa in the years to come.
Jenna Wright
VetBooks for Africa
Social Media, Marketing and Fundraising
From the 17th to the 24th of June 2026, eight VetBooks for Africa team members embarked on a week-long expedition to Zimbabwe. While short in duration, this trip served as an important trial run for our ambitious December 2026 expedition, which will see us travel through seven African countries over five weeks, delivering educational resources and veterinary supplies to institutions and communities in need.
As a student-led non-profit organisation based at the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science, VetBooks for Africa works to bridge the gap in veterinary education across the continent. Through sponsorships, donations and fundraising efforts, we collect and distribute textbooks, medical journals, equipment and supplies to veterinary students and institutions with limited access to these essential resources.
Our primary destination for our recent trip, was the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Zimbabwe in Harare, where we delivered a significant donation of veterinary textbooks, journals, equipment and educational materials. Access to up-to-date veterinary resources remains a challenge for many students across Africa, and our goal is to help strengthen veterinary education by ensuring future veterinarians have access to the knowledge and tools they need to succeed. By supporting veterinary students today, we contribute to a stronger veterinary profession across the continent tomorrow.
This trip would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. We extend our sincere gratitude to Vitaspec, Savannah Aircraft Africa and Montego Pet Nutrition for their invaluable contributions and belief in our mission.
A special thank you must also go to the Ford Wildlife Foundation for the sponsorship of two exceptional vehicles from their fleet: a Ford Everest Sport and a Ford Ranger Tremor. Covering close to 3,000 kilometres over the course of the week, the vehicles proved to be comfortable, reliable and a pleasure to drive. They carried both our team and our donations safely across long distances and varying road conditions. Without the Foundation’s support, the significant cost of vehicle hire would have reduced the funds available for our upcoming December expedition. Their contribution enabled us to maximise the impact of every donation received.
Along the way, we were privileged to extend our outreach beyond just the university. Additional donations were delivered to Kasipiti Children’s Home, Twala Animal Trust, a local primary school and a rural primary animal healthcare veterinary clinic on route. Every stop reminded us that meaningful change often happens through small acts of generosity and collaboration, and we remain committed to making a difference wherever our journey takes us.
Of course, the trip was about more than deliveries alone. We camped in some truly beautiful locations across Zimbabwe, waking up to breathtaking landscapes and crisp winter mornings. While the temperatures were often freezing, the experience brought our team closer together. Long hours on the road, shared campfires and a common purpose strengthened friendships and created memories that will stay with us for years to come.
As we return home and begin preparations for the December trip, we do so with renewed motivation and a clear vision for the future. There is still considerable work ahead in terms of fundraising and securing sponsorships to make the larger expedition possible. However, we are encouraged by the growing support behind our mission and by a storeroom already filled with donated supplies, waiting to reach the next group of veterinary students who need them most.
VetBooks for Africa is built on passion, determination and the belief that access to education can transform lives. We are incredibly grateful to the Ford Wildlife Foundation for partnering with us on this journey and helping us turn that belief into action. We look forward to continuing this relationship and working together to create an even greater impact across Africa in the years to come.
Jenna Wright
VetBooks for Africa
Social Media, Marketing and Fundraising
