Jose and Jeova, two cousins from Brazil were born and raised in Quemaidas - an isolated little village in the impoverished northestern area of the country.
However...thanks to support from Friends of Heifer like you, we were able to provide Jose and Jeova with 10 hens and one rooster each, along with training in their care.
Despite Jose being just 15 years old and Jeova only 17, they have certainly made the most of the generous gifts they received from Heifer supporters!
Within a year, Jose earned enough money from selling eggs to buy his own horse. He bought a horse so he can help his neighbors herd their cattle. He is also now able to spend his afternoons taking classes so he can get a good education. Access to an education is often the key to ultimately breaking the cycle of poverty, because it empowers a child like Jose to achieve his full potential.
Jose has learned a lot about farming through this project, and he hopes to continue his education by going to an agricultural school. "I want to take this course to continue working with plants and animals" said Jose. It's a two-year program, but he's confident he can save enough, thanks to the chickens and training he received from Heifer.
Jose is extremely proud to be a part of this project and he wants Heifer donors like you to know that your contributions are making a difference in both his life and his community.
Jose says "I believe that Heifer is special. It's like teaching people to fish instead of giving them a fish. You can see people's joy."
Like his cousin Jose, Jeova is also earning a steady income by raising chickens. "The chickens produce eggs every day that we can eat or sell" he said.
Jeova collect 50 eggs per week from his 10 hens. In a year he can earn about $182 just from selling eggs - which he puts toward groceries for his whole family, and other necessities like boots, shoes, and socks.
Jeova has also enthusiastically embraced the cooperative spirit of Heifer and proudly reports "We have already been able to share some animals with other families. I'm going to pass on to another family and that is how it keeps going." He added "Pass on the Gift changes people's lives. It changed mine."
These two cousins are now well on their way to promising and prosperous lives because of the gift of livestock and training they received thanks to compassionate Heifer supporters like you.
To become a Friend of Heifer click here.
Heifer Colorado Springs Volunteers! Please join us at our quarterly meeting on Tuesday February 1st, 2011 from 7 - 8:30pm at the Panera Bread at (approximately) Woodmen and Academy. Look for us at a table with our Heifer poster! We'll be planning activities for our 2011 year so be sure to bring your ideas. Please RSVP to HeiferColoradoSprings@gmail.com
