Rose lives in Chad with her parents and six brothers. When Rose received a small goat from World Vision last year, her family couldn’t have known just what a difference it would make.
“We would have faced serious food problems during this lean season,” says Rose’s father. Handicapped, he often struggles to provide for his family. There are school and health fees to pay, especially during the rainy season when malaria hits regularly.
Making education possible
In Swaziland, another girl is proud of what her goats have done for her family of seven. When Simangele received a goat through the World Vision Gift Catalogue five years ago, she never imagined one day owning half a dozen.
When the first goat came, Simangele’s parents were too poor to send her to school. But the goat inspired them to send their firstborn son, Moses, now in grade six. Since then, Simangele has sold six goats, using the proceeds to pay school fees for herself and two of her siblings.
“Through the proceeds from the sale of the goats, I have managed to buy three full sets of uniforms and paid school fees,” she explains.
Security in difficult times
If not for the goats, it’s hard to say whether the children would have attended school. Neither of Simangele’s parents have solid employment. Her father earns a living through temporary jobs, such as building fences. But with the current economic crisis, such opportunities have become few.
Still, Simangele is motivated to go far in life and wants to become a teacher. Looking after the goat has taught her responsibility and given her a sense of pride.
Although food is currently running low and Simangele’s father is buying food on credit, the family knows that they can sell a goat if necessary.
