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| Some goats from the Give a Goat project by DanChurchAid. |
The five goats grassing near by are bought six months back with the help of Society for Upliftment of Rural Poor (SURE). Gita Devi had saved 3.000 rupees and got a 6.000 rupees loan from the local NGO.
The five goats have become seven. Two small males are still drinking milk from their mothers. When they are big enough to sell, Gita will cash in substantially, as a well fed and healthy male goat could fetch 2.500 on the market. She plans to invest in her children's education and also want to start a savings account in a bank.
Meals twice a day
Currently, Gita Devi and her husband feed their children twice a day, but only with bread and pulses and milk and yoghurt from the goats - no green vegetables or fruits. They both work hard to increase the household income in order to be able to send all the children to school.
A black, hand driven sewing machine are taking up space at the back of the hut. Tailor work done by her husband secures a monthly income of 3.000 rupees. Gita Devi gets 300 rupees a month for her work as a health volunteer in the area. If a child is being born and Gita gets called to assist with the delivery, she'll get additional salary.
A better future for her children
| Give a Goat |
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| The Give a Goat project is a fundraising initative by DanChurchAid, where companies or private individuals can donate livestock, crops or other items for the poorest in the areas where DCA works. Read more on donation options. |
Gita Devi only went to school for five years. There was no secondary schooling near her home and her father did not permit her to pursue more education further away. She regrets that and wants her daughters and sons to go to good schools.
Her health volunteering has taught her about personal hygiene and also compelled her to become sterilized. "Four children are enough. It's better to make sure we can provide for those we already have, " Gita says.