Overseas opportunities
Updated: Aug 20
World Horse Welfare and Semonkong Hospital Trust Annual Semonkong Community Vet Outreach in Lesotho - Due to a change in circumstances a last minute place has become available on this project and applications have been reopened.
Date: 5-12 September 2026 (including travel time and depending on flight times)
Duration: 1 Week
Location: Lesotho, Southern Africa
BEVA Trust is looking for two veterinary volunteers (vets and EVN’s) to travel to Lesotho to support the annual Semonkong Community vet clinic organised by World Horse Welfare and the Semonkong Hospital Trust.
The Semonkong Hospital Trust conducts a week-long veterinary outreach program in Semonkong, Lesotho, aimed at delivering essential primary animal healthcare and improving equine welfare through education and capacity-building. The initiative focuses on treating horses and donkeys, addressing common issues such as saddle wounds and poor hoof structure, and promoting sustainable husbandry practices among local equid owners.
In partnership with World Horse Welfare, Cart Horse Protection Association and supported by BEVA Trust volunteers, the program provides hands-on equine care training and mentorship. It also strengthens local capacity by training veterinary students, supporting the veterinary team, and empowering agricultural group members and community participants with practical animal care skills.
This outreach plays a critical role in enhancing animal health, supporting livelihoods, and fostering long-term community resilience.
Volunteers will be expected to provide training to World Horse Welfare staff, Semonkong Hospital Project staff on equine primary health care, including wound treatment and after care. Volunteers will also help to supervise veterinary students from Onderstepoort Vet School during the clinics in the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses and injuries observed in the field (this may include minor surgical procedures, castration, wound treatment and other equine health issues).
Volunteers need to have experience undertaking equine surgical procedures including castration, eye removal, severe wound treatment, as well as sedation, and wound after care. Experience undertaking surgical procedures in basic rural conditions (outside with limited facilities or surgical equipment) is also required. Experience of training & overseeing work of final year veterinary students is essential. Previous experience working in Africa would be an advantage (but not essential).
Accommodation, meals in country travel and flights and will be provided and organised by WHW/BEVA Trust. Volunteers will be hosted in a local hotel close to the site of the project and transport will be provided to the project locations.
For further information, see travel advice and entry requirements for Lesotho
For more information about volunteering with the BEVA Trust take a look at the volunteering FAQ’s
Contact us for further information or to register your interest in this opportunity email leaya@beva.org.uk with your CV and cover note. Applicatiuons close on Monday 24th August
