Passing on Dignity in Nepal

In Nepal, hundreds of villagers in the Nawalparasi District gathered to watch the 12 members of the Annapurna Women's Group (AWG)  pass on a gift of two goats each to 12 resource-poor women of the neighboring Samijhauta Women's Group (SWG).

They were surprised, however, to see a flock of chickens and piles of food and veterinary supplies alongside the goats.

As the Passing on the Gift ceremony began, AWG's president, Mrs. Bijuli K.C., recalled the difficulties the women in her group had faced when floods left them homeless.

"Passing on the Gift sustained us during our hardship," she said. "It was a gift that changed our lives.

"That's why, today, we have decided to pass on not only a gift of goats, but also other supporting materials we have."

Gesturing toward the chickens, she added that they would also pass on one each to each group member,  "to show how much we have come to appreciate the significance of sharing."

This women's group, along with all Heifer project partners, had learned much from the technical training and values-based education Heifer's field staff provide.

They learned, for example, that regular de-worming keeps goats healthy, and that giving goats mineral blocks and green grass, along with husk and wheat flour, improves their nutrition.

"We need to have our goats' health checked regularly and give timely treatment in case of sickness," Mrs. Bijuli K.C. said. "This information which we received in training is extremely useful for us who tend to follow the traditional way of raising goats."

The Dignity of Being a Donor
Chanamati Thapa, a member of another Nepalese women's group, the Kumbheshwor Women Development Group of the Nuwakot District, credits her success in raising her goats to Heifer's 12 Cornerstones for Just and Sustainable Development.

"They made me understand that development begins from within oneself," she said.

Chanamati, recipient of Heifer Nepal's 2004 Golden Talent Award, used her income from selling goats to put up a small flour mill and to buy a water buffalo. She's also become involved in spreading Heifer's agricultural techniques, including promoting the use of pit latrines, planting fodder trees and discouraging the use of plastic.

"The fulfillment I experienced on being able to help others was so rewarding," she said. "The dignity of being a donor inspired me to do more."