Passing on the Gift in Cambodia

18 April 2009

ANG TA PHORK, Cambodia—More than 50 people participated in a Passing on the Gift ceremony in Cambodia. Gifts included 13 cows, cassava and animal feed such as trichanthera, mulberry and elephant grass.

One of those passing on a cow was Svay Soun, a widow with nine children and member of the village’s self-help group. She shared her experiences from the last five years. When the project began, Svay didn't have any knowledge about raising animals or vegetables. Instead, she made excuses: unfertile soil, bad weather, no seed.

One day, the village chief announced that a Heifer project and self-help group was forming. Svay joined to get an animal, vegetable seeds and technical training. But she got much more. “I had never dreamed that I could share my resources with others,” Svay said. “But now I can because of Cornerstone training,” which teaches participants values like self-reliance and sharing and caring. “You know, I was so happy when I sold my first cassava roots and chicken,” Svay continued. “I had not gotten income from my land for so long.”

“Today, I am passing on a cow," she said. "I hope the new group will take care of the animals and internalize the Cornerstones that can make them successful, as I have been."