Our sponsored children at Rae are looked after by carers who have formed their own self-help group to try to build on the work done by Footsteps.
Through their efforts they have dug a fish pond for 1000 fish which is soon to be filled up with water and, through an application to World Vision, they have been given six oxen and a plough. The idea is that the oxen and the plough will be used by the group members to plough their farms ready for planting. Normally this activity is either done by hand (and we’re talking substantial areas of land not just a patch of back garden) or someone is paid to bring their own ox or a tractor.
This should certainly improve the wellbeing of the group members as it can lead to bigger areas being prepared for planting and for less money. Higher yields should be the result.
In addition a bull has been provided for fertilising the group members’ cows. The bull is of hardy stock and when bred with the local cows should produce cows that give a higher yield of milk.
All of this goes to show that with a little encouragement, a bit of confidence and the determination to succeed, a difficult situation can be transformed.
