Heifer International

An old proverb tells us that "If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime". The basic sentiment rings true to so many ears. Material hand-outs will temporarily satisfy peoples' needs, but doesn't help them overcome the conditions that brought them to require assistance. Have you ever stopped to think about how much harder it is to train a fisherman than give away fish? When and where to cast in, how to use the rod or net, what to use as bait, how to bring in the caught fish and how to maintain the equipment are all part of teaching someone to fish. Heifer International is one of the organizations dedicated to providing both the skills and materials to feed people for a lifetime.

Heifer International made its first donation of live stock to a community in need in Puerto Rico in 1944 as Heifers for Relief after five years of effort by the organization's founder Dan West. Since then the organization has grown to provided livestock and education to over 50 countries. Communities served range from poor communities in the United States to developing agriculture in war torn areas of Uganda and many many more. These projects all center on building groups abilities to support themselves by providing animals and the training needed to care for them. An important part of their work is not just informing the recipients on how to care for the animals provided, but ensuring that whole of the community grows around the gifts.

Recipients are required to share offspring of the animals they are given and train those they give to care for them as well. In addition entering into these contracts of continued giving, communities are trained in other related areas of resource management including sustainable irrigation, fertilization and reforestation. They educate individuals on farming methods which minimize impact on the environment while making animals easiest to keep track of. Often the animals are entrusted to women as a way of elevating their status within their family and community. It has been shown time and time again that an increase in women's rights can lead to a decrease in violence and more rapid social development. The animals and materials donated are carefully selected to best match the environment and traditions of the participants.

Heifer International offers many ways to give! The first is simply giving directly to the organization for them to apply to the greatest current need. You are also given the option of choosing a project to fund or donate the amount needed to give a particular kind of animal. They also allow individuals an option to create a gift registry to request friends and family make donations rather than give gifts for holidays and celebrations.

The Heifer Foundation with its wide scope, from Eastern Europe to South America and seeds to water buffalo, and emphasis on encouraging stable development rather than temporary satiate needs is truly worthy of our attention and donation.