Learn About Heifer International in Nepal at May 31 Brown Bag

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (May 25, 2012) – An expert on Nepal comes to Little Rock on Thursday at a brown bag lunch discussion on the campus of Heifer International. Dr. Shubh Mahato, country director of Heifer Nepal, will discuss a large new goat and dairy project aimed at lessening hunger and poverty in the mountainous country. Arkansans curious about Nepal or about Heifer International’s work are encouraged to attend.

In January, Heifer Nepal launched a $23.8 million project that focuses on reducing Nepal’s reliance on imports of goat meat and dairy. Small family farmers will be able to improve their livelihoods by learning the best techniques for raising livestock. Then, by forming community groups and cooperatives, farmers can better connect with larger markets.

At the lunchtime presentation, the public can see images from Nepal and hear details from Mahato about Heifer International’s projects there. In Nepal, Heifer works exclusively with women’s groups, a choice that has profound implications for women’s empowerment.  Women in Nepal are traditionally dependent on their husbands, and are discouraged from taking part in small businesses.

Mahato will review key elements in the Nepal project, including its formation of women-led social cooperatives, and successful practices that could be adopted around the globe.

In addition to Nepal, Heifer International works in about 40 countries, providing livestock and training that can lift a family out of poverty and hunger. Each participant family is required to Pass On the Gift® of its animal’s first-born offspring to another needy family.

The brown bag event will be held in the Jo Luck Global Impact Room at the Murphy Keller (Heifer Village) Education Center at 1 World Ave. in Little Rock, from noon-1 p.m. on Thursday, May 31, 2012. It is free and open to the public, but attendees are asked to RSVP by calling 501-907-COWS (2697). Attendees are encouraged to bring a lunch or purchase one at Café@Heifer. Heifer International will provide beverages.

About Heifer International

Heifer’s mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. Since 1944, Heifer International has provided livestock and environmentally sound agricultural training to improve the lives of those who struggle daily for reliable sources of food and income. Heifer is currently working in 40 countries, including the United States, to help families and communities become more self-reliant.  For more information, visit www.heifer.org or call 1-800-696-1918.