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 |
Lighting up lives in Nepal
Dhan Kumari Yari’s hut is lit up with a faint glow of the florescent bulb. Her 2 daughters and a son can study and do schoolwork till late in the night. A month ago there used to be a scramble to finish homework and help the family with the chores. Butter and kerosene lamps are hard to study in. But now since the house was connected with electricity, things have been easier.
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A story of a village
Chilies did exceptionally well in this area. Families have reported selling up to 18 quintals of chili over one season. The farmers also sell them dried which sells for more. The village is painted with red chilies drying everywhere. The fields are plush with red specks over green.
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