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Poverty can be a vicious cycle. You might get sick, which means you can't go to work. You can't go to work, which means you can't earn a living. You can't earn a living, so you can't look after your family.
But it needn't be like that.
At Samaritan’s Purse, we believe that all people are created in God’s image and deserve to experience the fullness of life (John 10:10). That's why our livelihoods programmes across Africa are focused on providing impoverished people with the tools they need to help themselves and secure their own future - the best possible future.
Samaritan's Purse have seen some remarkable changes in the lives of women in Haiti since launching our Women's Community Support Groups. Read more here.
Rather than opting for a quick fix, we look for long-term solutions that work on the ground. Here is a glimpse of what that looks like with something as simple as a goat...
1. Milk – We all appreciate a glass of milk, but one goat can provide enough milk for a family to drink and some left over to sell. That money can be reinvested in farm equipment, another goat, or even school fees.
2. Firewood – Goats are hungry animals and the families we work with have discovered that they are a dab hand at preparing trees and bushes for firewood by stripping them of their leaves.
3. Natural Fertiliser – And what is done with all those leaves? Goat droppings are rich in minerals that make them perfect for fertilising farmland. This means there is more to eat and more to sell. Good news for everyone.
4. Better Health – With more to eat and drink it’s not surprising that these families are healthier and stronger. No more fevers, flu or doctors' bills.
5. Hope – With enough food for today, they can plan for tomorrow. Rather than worrying about finding enough food and tackling ill health, these families now dream of growing bigger farms that can benefit other friends and family.
By working through local churches we ensure that the resources - like seeds and tools, livestock and equipment - go to where they are most needed and that the benefits and profits are shared by the community.
You can read some stories of how lives have been changed by the simple gift of a goat or farming tools.
The good news for our supporters is that it couldn’t be easier to be part of our Livelihoods programme. Through our gift catalogue you can buy gifts that will help families and communities prepare for a future they may not have known.
