On March 26th and April 5th 2016, the first GIVE PHASE of the project was completed in the villages of Dupin and Pinette.
In these villages, twenty (20) new families became the beneficiaries of the project, as the new owners of two (2) female sheep or goats each. Now, ALL female adult residents in the villages of Pinette and Dupin have become recipient beneficiaries of the project.
It is expected that these new beneficiaries will in turn become the donors to families from other villages, as the program extends its geographical coverage. It was noted that some of the newly received animals are already grown and some are expecting their first litter.
As the cost of a sheep or goat is currently estimated at around 2700 Gourdes, the assets of each participating family has increased by at least 5400 Gourdes, the equivalent of USD 88.00. This is significant as the World Bank estimates that in rural communities, Haitians live on less than $ 2 a day.
It is worth noting that the participants in Dupin and Pinette elected to introduce the use of Zeb Ginen, or Guinea Grass ( Penicum maximum Jacq.), a large perennial bunch grass, native of Africa and now introduced in the tropics, as fodder for the animals. This high quality feed is drought tolerant and well suited to grazing. To harvest the Zeb Ginen, strong arms are needed, and the KPP Coordinators have gladly noted the growing involvement of the family men, who want to ensure the growth and well-being of the animals.
The GIVE PHASE of the project was the occasion of much Joy expressed by the families. The exchange took place in a festive atmosphere and residents from nearby villages also came to witness the happy event and express their hope that the project will soon reach their villages.
Konbit Pou Potapiman expresses its gratitude to One World Group Oxted for funding this project.