Ambassadors

Marie Gillain is delighted to commit herself to the Turkana project as ambassador, to spread consciousness of the project among the public at large. "What appears fundamental to me in the approach of Veterinarians Without Borders," Marie explains, "is that the organisation hands the local community the responsibility to manage their own situation when it pulls out. That is the aspect that appealed to me most. The reason I decided to become ambassador. It may sound like a paradox, but Veterinarians Without Borders also saves people. For nations like the Turkana, cattle is the only source of income and so the only hope they have of a dignified existence."

As ambassador on the Turkana project, Jan Leyers sees his biggest challenge in raising awareness about the organisation among the general public. "Just like everyone else I suppose, at first I thought that Veterinarians Without Borders was an organisation for the protection of animals. But the slogan makes things clear immediately: When the herd dies, so does the village."
"Although it may appear paradoxical, Veterinarians Without Borders is saving people’s lives. For nations like the Turkana, cattle is the only source of income and so the only hope they have of a dignified existence."