From November 25 to 27, 2024, the Liberia Animal Welfare and Conservation Society (LAWCS), in partnership with the WTS Vets United Programme, organized a capacity-building workshop at Cuttington University, Gbarnga, Bong County. This transformative event brought together 22 lecturers from four universities: Cuttington University, Lofa County University, Nimba County University, and Liberia International Christian College (LICC).
The workshop focused on integrating animal welfare into academic curricula and equipping lecturers with practical skills. Facilitated by LAWCS CEO Morris Darbo and Dr. Etagegnehu D. Belayneh from the Ministry of Agriculture, the sessions covered topics such as the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare, clinical examination techniques, disease management, wound care, and hands-on training in poultry and livestock care. Participants also explored curriculum development strategies and ways to enhance the visibility of animal welfare programs.
Feedback from participants highlighted the workshop’s impact. Cuttington and Lofa universities reaffirmed their commitment to advancing animal welfare education through newly established courses like Animal Welfare I & II. Lecturers from Nimba County University and LICC pledged to propose curriculum updates to their administrations. Additionally, Cuttington University’s Dean, Dr. George Tee Forpoh, emphasized the importance of inter-university collaboration in fostering community development through animal welfare.
This workshop marks a significant step forward in promoting animal welfare education in Liberia. LAWCS and WTS Vets United Programme remain dedicated to supporting educational institutions in creating a future where compassion for animals is central to academic and community initiatives.
