Thank You for Making a Lasting Impact in Uganda!
See the difference your heifer made in a year
Since receiving your generous gift of a heifer, the family has focused on diversifying their farm and starting a business selling milk to increase their income. Now, they share their good fortune with others, as you did for them.
From the family whose lives you changed and from all of us at Heifer for understanding why we do what we do — THANK YOU.
To help us tell the story of amazing change, would you take a short survey about what you’ve learned about your gift this year?
Thank You
Thriving Thanks to You
Susan has seen success with raising cattle, but the knowledge gained extends far beyond the herd. With sustainable farming techniques to improve her crops and training to keep her other livestock healthy, she’s diversified and expanded her income. She’s increased her cattle’s milk production and now has enough for her family to drink and to sell to a local cooperative. A new solar panel also allows her to light her cowshed, giving her more hours of the day to milk her cattle.
BANKING ON SUCCESS
Accessing financial services can be extremely difficult for farmers, especially in rural areas like where Susan lives. The solution? Savings banks where farmers can pool their money and provide low-interest loans to members. Susan took a loan to purchase the solar panel for 1.5 million Ugandan shillings ($401.48 USD) — she’ll pay 40% over 12 months and Heifer will pay the rest. “Loans are helpful because it promotes the spirit of sharing,” Susan said. “When you pass on to [others], you help them get out of their situation.”
MOO-VING TOWARD A BRIGHTER FUTURE
Susan would love to continue expanding her farm — in the future she hopes to have 50 cows. She plans to use the income from the milk sales to ensure her children receive a quality education. She also wants to help others by giving them loans so they can improve their situation. With kindhearted people like you rooting for her, she believes it will happen.
Years from now, you might not remember the gift you gave. But the family in Uganda who received your heifer will never forget the person who changed their lives.
The Journey of Your Heifer
- A family joins a Heifer project and learns how to care for a heifer
- The family receives their own heifer
- The family drinks the cow’s milk and grows their herd
- The family joins a cooperative and earns extra income selling milk
- The family diversifies their farm and starts a business
- The family passes on their gift to others
- The family THRIVES! (You are here!)
So Much More Than A Heifer
When Susan joined the Jinnai Dairy Development project where your heifer went, she was excited about the idea of receiving livestock. However, she gained assets and benefits far beyond the animal itself — as did the family who welcomed your heifer!
When the family welcomed your gift of a heifer, they also received other resources to ensure their farm’s success.
Along with her heifer, Susan also received:
BUILDING MATERIALS
With 16 bags of concrete, Susan built a cowshed to give her cattle a safer environment.
FODDER SEEDS
Susan feeds her livestock fodder made from grasses and legumes she grows.
RAINWATER TANK
Susan saves costs during the rainy season with her 5,000-liter rainwater tank.
MILK
Before Heifer, Susan’s cattle produced little milk. Now, Susan has enough milk for her family to drink and extra to sell.
FERTILIZER
Susan’s cattle produce plenty of cow dung, which makes great FREE fertilizer. Susan spreads this to help her crops grow.
HOPE
Susan and her family finally see a future where they don’t have to struggle every day — a future filled with hope (and heifers!).
Activity Pack
To celebrate your gift, download your Activity Pack. Test your skills with our word search and crossword puzzle.
Why Uganda?
Since gaining independence from Britain in 1962, Uganda has grappled with a series of coups and wars. Decades of conflict have left nearly a third of the population living below the poverty line. Vulnerable to disruptions like drought and the impact of COVID-19, rural residents bear a disproportionate burden, pushing them deeper into poverty. One way to boost their incomes is through dairy.