"Best Friends Instead of Enemies"

Photos and reporting by Darcy Kiefel
Story by Jill Bayles

In a small strip of land, a hodgepodge of ethnic groups practice different customs, cultures and religious beliefs; major conflicts during the last dozen years have killed tens of thousands of residents and displaced a million more; and the only incentive to put down arms is a cease-fire agreement enforced by other nations.

Here also, in this fragile, volatile region known as the Caucasus, is where young people and their parents talk about peace.

Thanks to Heifer International and its partners, people in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia — the three countries that make up the area's lower Transcaucasus Region — are exchanging livestock, knowledge and friendships through Passing on the Gift ceremonies, 4-H-type clubs and peace camps; and transcending cultures, religions and geographic borders to do so.

"We Should Never Even Use the Word 'War'"

Ararat (left),is shown here with his brother Vanush.
© Heifer International

Fifteen-year-old Ararat Hakobyan, who lives in Armenia's Sevan Region, believes all Peace Projects like Heifer's should begin with children.

"Thanks to this Heifer project and the Youth Camp, peace was made," he said, "and we have become loving toward one another. The children felt more confident and more peaceful within themselves afterwards."

And in the neighboring village of Getap, Eduard Khachatryan, also 15, jumps for joy when he talks about the camp.

"The Youth Camp taught us that no one in the world should use war," he said. "Instead, we should create peace, and solve conflicts in peaceful ways. We should never even use the word 'war.'"

Proceeding "As Heifer Has Taught Us"

The parents agree that the youth camps are important; but they add that it's the cow, goat or bees they received from Heifer, along with much-needed training, that holds the most significance.

Shura and his family with their Heifer cow.
© Heifer International

"In October 2002, Heifer entered our lives, and at the beginning, I was scared," admits Shura Gevorgyan. "I had no skills or experience with cows, but Heifer showed their trust in me and demonstrated the skills I needed, along with hope."

And in a nearby village, Dmitri Zuev said that Heifer's livestock enabled he and his neighbors to solve their nutritional problems.

"We can produce yogurt, cheese and butter and sell the surplus," he said, adding, "From zero experience to one year of training, today we have become completely sustainable."

His friend Vasily Plechanov said he can't imagine how their lives would be today without Heifer. "But," he added, "tomorrow we can live without Heifer. We will proceed as they have taught us, and continue after they have gone."

Sharing Leads to Understanding

Even before it's time to pass on an offspring, Caucasus project participants are eager to share any surplus of milk, yogurt, cheese or butter they have with relatives and neighbors.

"Before Heifer, it was our family needing help," said Ararat's mother, Susanna. "Now we are able to help our neighbors."

And in the Republic of Georgia, which was ravaged by civil war in the 1990's, project participant Nugheli Janashvili has tears in her eyes when she speaks.

"At first glance, it may look as though the gift of a

cow is not so big," she said, "but it's everything our children need. We have released our fears for the future through this project, and I cannot stop thinking about the fact that I am raising a calf that will help a family in need the way we were in need before."

Serving Kindness with Peace

Two young Georgian girls, best friends and both named Tamuna, agree that the project holds another meaning for them:

"We made friends with Azeri and Armenians and became familiar with their culture," says one. "To me, this project means that the people and children of three countries can play, dance and sing together. We learned that we must say 'we want you to guarantee our peace.' We never want to see war."

Said the other, "Heifer International is serving kindness with peace — among us, and throughout the world."

Darcy Kiefel is the photojournalist and Jill Bayles is the New Media Content Coordinator for Heifer International.