Hope is in the air again. Dreams float with the clouds in the hills and valleys and plains. Many prepare for the time of their lives as the time comes to give back a gift that changed so much in their hearts and their lives. The changes are not that big, in a poor community by any measure, frog-leap changes are hard to expect. But for anyone who understands the context at hand, knows that change is good. Its metamorphosis, its evolution, it’s a step in the right direction.
The opportunity to give back rarely presents itself. For the many who have taken at one point in time, the fact that they are able to give back means a lot. It gives them the dignity and honor of helping someone in need. Understanding the importance of instilling self-confidence and the dignity and pride that comes with it in overcoming poverty is exponential. Being poor is not only about not having enough to eat. Poverty has devastating effects on the state of mind. Often it is this hurdle of overcoming ones fears and in-confidence that is the greatest challenge of overcoming poverty.
Faith is a strong thing. It is this faith that Heifer has in its project families which drives Heifer’s mission forward. With every goat, buffalo and pig placed, Heifer puts its faith in the hands of the families who receive these gifts. And as they pass on to someone equally challenged in life, they reward that faith. A bond is formed, between families and communities. No matter how many reasons might have divided these families and communities the act of Passing on the Gift weaves sharing and caring back into the social fabric.
As the month of April nears, once again Nepal is preparing for the festival of giving. More than 2000 families will celebrate the joy of Passing on the Gift as they give the gift of goats, buffalos, poultry and swine wrapped with faith, hope and dreams. For those receiving, there will be celebrations of giving with dignity and pride in the future. Let us all take – part in the festival of giving in Nepal and around the world.
Celebrate Passing on the Gift all over the world
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Photo Gallery
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Success Stories |
Project targeting import substitution of goat and dairy to be launched
The $23 million, Strengthening Smallholder Enterprises of Livestock Value Chain for Poverty Reduction and Economic Growth in Nepal (SLVC), project will work in 28 districts to build up value chain enterprises of goat and dairy over the course of 5 years with the goal of reducing import of live goats by 30% and milk by 10 % by involving 138,000 smallholders.
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Watch how a woman transformed herself with Heifer's support.
Meet Mandira Bote of Sarlahi, Nepal. She and others in her community near the Bagmati River belong to a marginalized, nearly extinct caste of landless fishermen. Before Heifer came into the community in late 2006, the women there suffered greatly. This photo of her was taken at the beginning of the project by Heifer's partner, the Bagmati Welfare Society of Nepal. Make a note of what's missing or hiding: No goats, no smile, and just the tiniest hint of the confidence, determination and lifelong dream of learning that had yet to be realized.
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