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WTS Welttierschutzstiftung

Rwanda

Academic Education

Project start: June 1, 2025

Project Manager: Associate Professor Martin Ntawubizi

Partner University: University of Rwanda-College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (UR-CVAS) 

Targeted Courses: Bachelor of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Animal Production, Bachelor of Science in Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, Master’s in Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Master’s in Animal Genetics and Breeding, CPD in One Health.

Strengthening Animal Welfare Education at the University of Rwanda

The newly established College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (UR CVAS) was created to train the next generation of veterinarians and animal scientists. However, the college currently faces challenges in meeting the minimum standards for animal welfare and ethics education among its academic staff. To help bridge this gap, WTS  -through the VETS UNITED program - has provided financial and administrative support to launch the VETS UNITED University of Rwanda Capacity Development Project. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of animal health and welfare education by improving knowledge, building practical skills, and increasing awareness of animal welfare. It will also give academic staff access to the comprehensive VETS UNITED Animal Welfare Teaching Modules, an educational resource designed to raise the standard of animal health and welfare education across the board.

The project focuses on three key objectives:

  1. Supporting the training and development of lecturers in animal welfare education.
     
  2. Strengthening the capacity of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
     
  3. Formalizing collaboration between the Rwanda Animal Welfare Organization (RAWO) and the Welfare for Animals Guild Rwanda (WAG).

This partnership represents a vital step toward raising animal welfare standards and preparing future professionals to lead with compassion, ethics, and excellence in animal care, thereby positioning UR CVAS as a leading force in veterinary science in the region.