In Africa, goats have been called the poor person's cow. In addition to providing four quarts of milk a day, the goat's manure increases fertility in vegetable gardens. Photo by Darcy Kiefel.

Heifer Promotes Self-sufficiency,
and a Passing on of the Gift

How can a goat change a person's life? Well, in a small village in Uganda where a family with young children and no father must struggle to keep alive, one small goat can provide milk, which can feed the children. The goat can provide fertilizer for garden vegetables and, once bred, the babies can be sold to other families. Being able to provide for her family gives a mother self-esteem and may allow the young children to go to school instead of to work.

To us, a goat would not be looked at as an unobtainable luxury, but to many families it can mean the difference between poverty and bounty. Heifer International is dedicated to giving more to impoverished families than a handout. This unique organization raises pure bred, well cared for farm animals such as cows, llamas, chickens, rabbits, and goats, even bees, and gives them to poor people all over the globe after careful research into what type of animal would be most beneficial and most suited for the climate of that particular region. Heifer sends a team to research the locale and then sends volunteers and staff members — not to just drop the animal off, but to offer careful training for the care and breeding of the livestock.

Heifer's efforts have resulted in the transformation of thousands of lives. Entire villages are often involved as Heifer also helps with water filtration systems, organizing cooperatives, and offering self-reliance and hope to the villagers. The EveryDay Angels Foundation would like to officially welcome Heifer International as a new Partner. We look forward to working with this outstanding organization on many projects in years to come.

The Global Village at Overlook Farm Heifer's Overlook Farm in Rutland, MA was the site of the annual Harvest Festival on October 5-6, where thousands of visitors toured the facilities. Always popular is the global village educational areas, which are authentic recreations of typical living quarters of peoples from all areas of the world, including the tibetan dwelling pictured here. Photo by Dennis Harris.

In August, EDAF directors met with Heifer Overlook Farm staff in Rutland, MA to discuss ways the Foundation can help further the Heifer cause. Subsequent visits, including the October 6th Harvest Festival at Overlook Farm, reinforced just how dedicated the folks involved with Heifer — staff and volunteers — really are. Heifer is committed to individual empowerment through education, agricultural business development and a concept of "passing on the gift", which makes everyone the solution, not the problem.

Let's Build an Ark Together!

We'd love to have you join us in an EveryDay Angels project to build an ark through Heifer International! We hope to raise enough funds to sponsor an ark package.

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