Meczyslaw Rodzynka, with his son, Grzegorz, 10, with Heifer International sheep in Skorodne and Podkarpacie, Poland. “There are many people in a difficult situation here in our villages. The natural conditions are perfect for sheep with pastures and hay. The price of lamb is very encouraging so it is profitable today. It is important for Heifer International donors to understand that these sheep will assist families to make a living tomorrow and in our future,” he said.

Humphrey Kalus, 20, and his mother, Bess Mutelo, 38, feed their goats. They participate in the Mika Village draft cattle project near Mumbwa in Central Province, Zambia. “We were very excited because we know these animals are very useful. They have given us so many benefits: manure, plowing and increased crop production. Anything that previously required pulling or carrying our draft cattle can do. This saves us a lot of labor,” says Bess Mutelo.

Nolan Cameron holds one of the family’s piglets in Saskatchewan, Canada. Nolan helps with farm chores and helps take care of the livestock. Heifer is helping the family improve the breeding stock of the animals for greater productivity for farmers and encouraging environmentally sound farming practices.

“I felt so good to Pass on the Gift and the family that received it was so happy,” said Yaroslava Svyryd, of Zavii, Ukraine. “Heifer is the only charitable organization working in this area, so they are really important for our community,” adding, “Gender equity is my favorite Cornerstone. I have learned that we (husband and wife) are equal and we help each other care for the cow.”

Sambekie is a member of the Ekenyawa women’s group, a part of the Heifer International Tanzania donkey project. Before they got the donkeys the women had to carry 40 liters of water twice a day from the local watering hole, which was several kilometers from the village. The work was exhausting. Hygiene in the village was poor because of the water shortage. Today, donkeys carry enough water that the entire village can have water to drink, to cook, to wash clothes, and to bathe.

Orphans Nguyen Thi Ha and Phan Van Quang (in striped shirt), hold a rabbit that is helping provide additional income at the Thien An Social Protection Institution outside Can Tho City, Vietnam. “We pride our children here with stabilization of life both mentally and physically. Heifer Vietnam has helped our situation by setting up an animal farm as well as vocational training for our children,” said Director Rose Tran Bach Yen.

Prem Kumari, in Tharu native costume, with her water buffalo in Belsi, in southern Nepal, where incomes average less than $300 a year. “The situation in our village was very bad but once our group was formed, we learned many things. The tremendous changes that have taken place in our community makes us feel that we have achieved much in life,” she says.

Shama Wuji with a pig in Daxing Village, Xide County, China. “ Before this project we could not afford to raise pigs. Now in less than half a year we have sold two pigs and several little pigs, which has brought about 3,000 RMB for our family.”

Xhevrije Shkurti, 58, of Librazhdi, Albania, with Molla, (in Albanian, "Molla" means "Apple") her Jersey cow, which she received in October 2006 from Heifer Albania. Xhevrije gets 10-12 liters of milk per day from Molla. She produces cheese, yogurt and curd out of the milk but for the moment has no extra milk to sell since she needs it to feed her large family, which includes six children and three grandchildren. The cow is her only source of income.

Sveta Musaelyan, in blue, and her friend, Marinka, with eggs and a chicken in their village of Shaumiani in the Republic of Georgia.

Susanna Mashkovich, an orphan in Hermon, Armenia, holds up a charger from one of the beehives provided by Heifer International. “It may not be physically difficult to raise bees, but you must be clever,” she says. “We work all summer, spring and fall and we see our results in the winter. We don’t feel so alone with the presence of Heifer International. We are isolated from city life but Heifer brings us closer through our bees and the sale of our honey. We are very grateful.”

Cecia Gomez Murrillo with her son, Brian Josue Garcia Gomez, holds a chicken. “I feel more independent today because of this project which has given the opportunity to work for myself. Before, I had nothing. Today I feel I am more of a woman and spend time working with my chickens to provide for my family,” she says.

With alpaca in the background, Marina Ramos spins alpaca fiber near San Jose, Peru. She is a member of a Heifer International project partner group raising alpacas for their wool and their ability to carry loads without damaging the fragile turf of the high Andes.

Joemi Regalado, a 13-year-old East New York Farms youth member with lettuce at the project’s community garden. “I like to work at the market and sell stuff. That’s the best part of the project,” he says. “Everything leftover from the market we give to the church but we are also allowed to take some food home to our families. Everyone likes to buy things from our garden because they see where it is grown and know where it came from. This makes me proud.”