Florence Komakech has a knack for bestowing names that reflect a fundamental optimism. Her daughters are named Irene (which means “peace” in her native language, Acholi) and Hope. She named the first cow she received from Heifer “Lucky.” And among the cows in her family’s current herd are “Blessing” and “Mic,” which means “gift”.
After living in fear during the Ugandan civil conflict and making her way to a refugee camp, Florence joined the Gulu Women Dairy Farmer’s Association. This co-op was created by seven war widows who joined together to create a group of women working together to create secure lives through dairy farming.
Florence received her first cow, Lucky. Heifer taught Florence how to properly feed and care for her cow as well as good breeding practices, helping Lucky give birth to nine calves. From the sale of milk and cattle, Florence was able to put all four of her children through school.
Now that her children are grown and educated, the milk income is helping support the three grandchildren that live with her and make sure that they receive a good education.
“All that I have done, I have done it from Heifer,” says Florence. “My life is very, very changed.”
Florence’s daughter Hope, who is now an accountant, credits the animals, training and seeds they received from Heifer with changing their lives.
It was not just the income from the milk that she credits with her success – it was also the responsibility of having to care for the cows.
“First thing they taught us was hard work,” says Hope. “They give us life because from the time our dad passed away they took care of us and they are the ones took care of us until now.”
“Because of these cows we are where we are,” said Irene, Florence’s other daughter. “It is the reason for which you are seeing us like this.”
