HEIFER INTERNATIONAL Meaning and
Definition
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Heifer International is a non-profit organization established in 1944 with a mission to alleviate global hunger and poverty by providing sustainable solutions through livestock and agricultural training. It focuses on empowering communities and individuals by offering livestock and other resources that enable them to become self-reliant and improve their livelihoods.
At its core, Heifer International operates on the principle of "Passing on the Gift," which means that recipient families who benefit from the organization's assistance are required to pass on the offspring of the animals they receive, as well as the knowledge and training they acquire, to other members of their communities. This approach creates a ripple effect that helps numerous families over time.
Through its programs, Heifer International aims to combat poverty by addressing its root causes. It provides livestock, such as heifers (young, female cows), goats, chickens, and bees, to families in need, along with training in animal management, agriculture, and environmental conservation. By introducing sustainable farming techniques, Heifer International supports farmers in increasing their income and food production while promoting environmental stewardship.
Additionally, Heifer International works to foster gender equity by empowering women as change agents in their communities. By actively involving women in decision-making processes, providing them with access to training and resources, and promoting income-generating activities, the organization attempts to challenge traditional gender roles and lift communities out of poverty.
Overall, Heifer International's holistic approach not only addresses immediate hunger but also aims to create sustainable and long-term solutions that enable individuals and communities to thrive and escape the cycle of poverty.
Etymology of HEIFER INTERNATIONAL
The word "Heifer" in "Heifer International" is derived from the Middle English word "hevere", which means a young cow that has not yet calved (given birth to a calf). The organization, Heifer International, takes its name from this term to highlight its commitment to providing livestock, particularly dairy cows, to impoverished communities around the world to help them become self-reliant.
