Simple support that’s changing lives
by Helen, Keogh, CEO, World Vision Ireland
Simplicity seems to be the word of the week. It’s the simplest of things that can make such a difference to someone’s life. Today I met two people whose lives have changed completely because of three goats they were each given by World Vision. These, ‘supergoats’, who produce up to three times more milk but can survive in the harshest of conditions, have given these farmers an income, security, pride and hope for the future.
The first farmer I met was called Robert, a small man, with a huge smile who welcomed me with the greatest of warmth. Robert’s daughter died fifteen years ago leaving behind a young son, who Robert promised to raise. He was a small farmer at the time and struggled to survive with what he had. Five years ago he heard that World Vision was setting up a programme that would see 20 farmers in his community each receive 3 ‘supergoats’. These farmers were to become a team who support each other and learn from each other. Each farmer would also be trained and receive ongoing support from World Vision staff. Robert was chosen as one of the beneficiaries of this programme and he says his life has changed since. His supergoats have reproduced and he is now the proud owner of eight healthy animals. His grandson is now in secondary school and is at the top of his class. He plans to go to college and to become a teacher. According to Robert none of this would have been possible without the support of World Vision.
Felistus, was the second goat farmer I met. Originally a hotel worker from the city of Mogadishu, she moved to rural Mutonguni with her husband, a business man and her young daughter in 2002. Unfortunately, shortly after she moved her husband passed away. She found herself in a place where she knew few people and with no income to support herself and her daughter. She then heard of World Vision’s programme, she applied, was accepted and received her three supergoats. Her life has changed completely ever since. She now owns eight goats and earns a good income from the sale of their milk. Her daughter is in boarding school and plans to become a nurse. Felistus lives alone and visits her daughter whenever she can, but she is not lonely, she tells me. She has the company of her beloved supergoats, one of which, Claudestine, she refers to as her ‘second husband’. She has other favourites too; Winnie and Kate and the latest addition…a little kid she named World Vision.
Its not rocket science. It’s simple. Provide a person who needs some support with the means to support themselves and you can change their lives and the lives of their families forever. Robert and Felistus are just two examples. I have been blown away by the enthusiasm, the determination and the entrepreneurial mindset of the people I have met in Kenya. They have grasped the opportunity to change their own lives with a little assistance from World Vision. A little help has gone a long way here in Mutonguni and it has been an honour to witness it.
Good answer back in return of this question with solid arguments and describing everything about that.
Leave Comment
Comments