On Friday, our Elementary students enjoyed a presentation from Heifer International about the purpose of the St. Paul’s coin drive. Each year, instead of traditional Valentine’s celebrations, students collect change to support an organization that improves the lives of those who need it most. This year, we have chosen to support Heifer International, whose mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth.
Heifer International has several different programs:
1. To increase income for families living in poverty by providing livestock to farmers for both food and sales
2. To improve the environment by introducing more efficient and climate-smart agriculture practices
3. To increase women’s participation in decision-making, develop women as leaders, and support education opportunities
As students gather change to support Heifer International, they will make a direct impact on program 1, by helping to buy livestock for farming families throughout the world.
During the presentation, students were introduced to stories about some of the many families helped by Heifer International, like that of Agripina Lucina Lopez Rojas, whose family was given five sheep and specialized training to care for her new flock. She has since grown her flock to 14 sheep and greatly improved the quality of life for her family.
In Ecuador, Ines Cayambe received alpacas, which now allow her and her family to have wool for their own use and which they spin into yarn and knit into projects. They sell the wool, yarn, and hand-knit items for extra income to buy food and ensure that the children receive an education.
We are excited for our students to have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of families around the world and we look forward to making our gift to Heifer International. Each classroom has a collection box for students and families to add their change and help eliminate hunger and poverty for everyone.
For more stories about how Heifer International is helping children and their families, read Beatrice’s Goat or watch this video telling of Flora and the Runaway Rooster.