PERFORMANCE
GIVING
Some
More About Heifer International
The central focus of Heifer International is to end poverty
and hunger in our world. The money donated to Heifer provides
education, training and livestock to individuals, families
and groups living in virtual poverty around the globe. The
Heifer “projects” are designed to empower individuals and
improve their economic circumstances. The donated animals
are not intended for slaughter. In fact, the farmers sign
contracts affirming that they will care for the animals
and adhere to strict Heifer standards.
In addition to the animals donated, Heifer provides continuing
training and education. Local farmers receive the opportunity
to learn western farming practices so that they can properly
manage their livestock, improve their farming skills, introduce
new economic strategies and increase their income. Examples
of these improvements include fish farms, honey farms, rice
paddies and cottage industries, such as coffee and cheese
making.
To support the environment, Heifer has introduced training
on how to make high grade, non-chemical manure (composed
of cow dung mixed with the local vegetation). Recently there
has been a growing interest in advancing the production
of methane gas, (also made from cow dung), which over time
may reduce the need for wood burning stoves, the main cooking
appliance used in most of Africa. Burning wood impacts tree
cutting and this in turn effects the devastation caused
by deforestation and global warming.
Heifer International advocates the concept of Cornerstones.
The simplest way to describe a Cornerstone is to compare
it to a company mission statement. But instead of having
just one standard of outcome, Heifer has introduced 12 cornerstones.
The first cornerstone advocates a “giving back” philosophy,
similar to the American concept of “paying it forward.”
An example of this cornerstone becoming activated is when
a cow is given to a project. The first several offspring
from that cow are given to people in the local community
or returned to Heifer for distribution to other poverty-stricken
regions. Whether the projects involve cows, pigs, chickens,
camels or donkeys, passing along the gift may be considered
the true genius behind the progress Heifer is making.
Recently Heifer has become more concerned with the devastating
impact of HIV and AIDS. As a global epidemic two out every
10 people on the African continent have been diagnosed with
this life-debilitating disease. Heifer has introduced efforts
to join the fight by providing goats to families with HIV-diagnosed
individuals. Studies have shown that goat’s milk can bolster
the human immune system, allowing the HIV drugs to become
more effective.
Africa is one example of the many continents being supported
by the great work of Heifer International.
The purpose of this special edition of Performance
News is to increase awareness of global hunger.
BRIGHT PERFORMANCE MESSAGE
The human initiative remains the same: To eradicate
global hunger, offer hope and ensure that good deeds
introduced to improve the circumstances and life conditions
of suffering people continue to have a lasting and
positive impact.
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