From the Field: Insights For Positive Change

This weekly post shines a light on a handful of stories from Heifer.org’s “From the Field”From the Field section.

A team from Heifer Philippines visited successful dairy projects to ensure correct development and operation of its first dairy project, which aims to benefit 1,000 families. On their study visits, the group discussed animal stocks, dairy processing and production with farm owners. A participant said the new insights and firsthand experience will help shorten the learning curve and improve the new project’s design.

A batch of Nubian and Saanen dairy goats, which are about to be milked, head toward the milking parlor at the St. Elmo's Goat and Dairy Farm in the Philippines. Photo by Jun Ayensa, Regional Program Manager, Heifer Southern Philippines

A batch of Nubian and Saanen dairy goats, which are about to be milked, head toward the milking parlor at the St. Elmo’s Goat and Dairy Farm in the Philippines. Photo by Jun Ayensa, Regional Program Manager, Heifer Southern Philippines

In South Africa, three donors recently had the chance to visit project participants to experience the positive change their generosity has made. Heifer staff took the donors on a two-day journey to four projects in the Limpopo Province. “Hearing and seeing firsthand always makes a difference,” Donor Archie Vermeulen said. “Clearly [Heifer's] positive intervention with the communities has made a huge impact.”

Edvard Hovhannisyan lives in the remote highland community of Harzhis village, Armenia. He has established his livelihood in the productivity of his cows and the Union of Pasture Users of Harzhis Consumers Cooperative, which is associated with the project Community Agricultural Resource Management and Competitiveness (CARMAC). The cooperative’s 84 families share equipment and pasture land in hopes that their joint efforts will increase income and promote community improvement.

Join the fight against hunger and poverty.

Ryan Bell Doubles Transformation Goal for Heifer International

Ryan and his cousin count money from a fundraiser.

Ryan and his cousin count money from a fundraiser.

Twelve-year-old Ryan Bell from Wallingford, Conn., knows a thing or two about transformation. Because of Treacher Collins Syndrome, a cranio-facial disorder that affects the bone and soft tissue formation of the face, he has endured 37 surgeries, the latest of which was to remove a tracheotomy, which had helped him breathe. Ryan’s ongoing physical transformation, combined with his love for animals and desire to help others, which he shares with his sister Meghan, inspired the siblings to work hard to raise $25,000, also known as a “Gift of Transformation,” for Heifer International. Ryan and Meghan surpassed their goal and have no plans of stopping. Next stop: $50,000.

 

Help Ryan and Meghan make it to $50,000.

 

 

Watch Ryan tell his story: