The Tsatsanahvili family of Eniseli village received two piglets from Heifer to begin a small farm. Photo by Maka Kapanadze, Project Assistant, Heifer Georgia

Famous for its unique grape species, the fertile village of Eniseli, Georgia, provides juicy and delicious grapes. But despite the potential of being one of the region’s top brandy producers, most people in Eniseli live in poverty. Most villagers are unemployed, and younger generations have left the community in search of work in the capital city of Tbilisi.

To combat these obstacles, Heifer International implemented the Assistance to Charity House Network in East Georgia project in 2010. The local organization working with Heifer to implement the project operates a network of charity houses and free canteens in the region. Heifer’s support has also allowed the organization to renovate its small hog farm. The animals supply daily food rations to the canteens, are sold to procure staple food items for the canteens, or are passed on to other project participants.

Vazha Tsatsanahvili lives in Eniseli with his wife Leila, three children and five grandchildren. Seasonal work in the vineyards cause the entire family to rely on Vazha’s daughter-in-law, who is a part-time laundress with a monthly income of about $35. Vazha and Leila often dream of running a small animal farm, but they would have to save for years before they could afford their first animal.

When the family received two piglets from Heifer, which are now big sows with offspring, their dream became a reality. Leila said thanks to Heifer, her family is enthusiastic about their future.