Passing on Joy in Nepal

04 April 2009,

PARBAT, Nepal—“This has been one of the happiest days in my life,” said Rama Subedi, watching her little son play with their new goat at the Passing on the Gift ceremony in Nepal.

On this day, 19 members of the Sangam Women’s Group passed on 26 goats and one buck to 19 members of the nearby Saphal Women’s Group. “This new member in our family,” Rama said, referring to the goat, “will be my son's playmate and also an assurance for his education. With the income from the goats, we'll start saving for his books, school uniform and school fees.”

Rama was also overjoyed to find Manju, the woman passing along one of her goats and a new friend. As the two hugged while exchanging the goat, Manju instructed, “Take good care. These goats are seeds for good fortune. I'll visit to see how they are doing.”

"The Miteri Women’s Group gave us gifts of goats one and a half years ago,” Manju continued. “Things have changed a lot for my family after that. I have already made 13,000 rupees [about $165] from the sale of goats. Two are in my pen and I am giving these two to you. I wish you will soon be able to pass on this gift to another struggling family in our neighborhood.”