Tag Archives: International development

Global Journal Ranks Heifer No. 12 Among Top 100 NGOs

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Photo by Russell Powell, courtesy of Heifer International
We are honored that the Global Journal ranked Heifer International No. 12 in its first international ranking of nongovernmental organizations. Heifer was selected because its “inexpensive and uncomplicated formula for development has seen improvements in health, nutrition and income as well as increased gender equity and family values for its recipients across-the-board.”
The Global Journal, which “waded through a sea of annual reports, project documentation and testimonials,” to determine the rankings, sought to honor top NGOs who exhibit “the power of a great idea, well-executed.” The Geneva and New York-based publication features innovative and influential ideas, in-depth reports, compelling images and global leaders, and is dedicated to reflecting the international community of decision makers.
The list reads like a Who’s Who of impactful and important organizations such as Partners in Health, Oxfam, International Rescue Committee and Medicins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders), but Heifer is honored to be first organization listed whose programs are solely aimed at sustainable development.
As the Global Journal reports, “Heifer has seen tremendous success … where farmers have, together with Heifer staff, collectively identified target areas for community improvement as well as set up participatory cooperative groups to share skills and generate joint decision-making.”
“This is another amazing honor for the work that we do in partnership with our families everyday,” said Pierre Ferrari, president and CEO of Heifer International. Previously, the organization has received the Conrad Hilton Humanitarian Prize, been recognized by Presidents George H.W. Bush, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, as well as by Forbes, Fast Company and Business Week magazines. The organization’s former longtime president, Jo Luck, was also named a co-laureate of the prestigious World Food Prize in 2010.

Ukrainian Media Like Heifer

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Yes, Pierre Ferrari is “good copy,” but I think there’s another reason that he’s been interviewed four-five times on his current trip to Ukraine. To paraphrase James Carville, “it’s the work, stupid.”

In fact, while Pierre was interviewed for a Ukrainian newspaper at one table in our hotel, county director Victor Teres was being interviewed at another table for a Ukrainian television network. I interviewed the interviewers afterwards to find out why.

Lena Shramko of “Kontrakty” magazine covers agricultural issues in Ukraine. She’s very selective about the people she interviews. When the head of the oblast (similar to a state) council suggested she talk to Heifer International, she followed through. Her impression: the work is very positive, especially in light of the difficulty Ukrainian farmers face in securing credit. The topic is very top-of-mind here, and was the subject of government-sponsored round table discussions this summer. “There’s not a lot of analytics on the subject and I was eager to meet someone new and hear what they have to say.” Lena left the interview interested and impressed; she will publish the interview and provide footnotes and background information on the organization in an upcoming interview.

Tetjana Motsyk covers European issues for UTR (Ukrainian TeleRadio Broadcasting). UTR broadcasts worldwide to the Ukrainian diaspora. Like Lena, she was also unfamiliar with Heifer, and came to cover the organization on assignment. Because her beat exposes her to international partnerships, she wanted to find out what Heifer is all about. With her interest in international development, she said she will tell her audience about Heifer’s mission, work, results and commitment in Ukraine.

OK, I’ll admit I was hoping both journalists would gush and wax eloquent about our work here, but that’s not what journalists do, right, Annie Bergman? But bottom line: there IS a great interest in our work here and that’s gratifying. These journalists are part of the international media; they’re interested, and they’re reporting. That in itself is a victory for Heifer. The more people know, the better. Feel free to share this link with your friends, by the way.