Life in Armenia is tough, especially for the people who live in the mountain villages. Here one is particularly dependent on the weather which makes the harvest successful – or not. The mountain farmers work hard, but are mostly very poor. Some of them try to find work in the cities, which tears families apart and is often in vain. These people are used to hard work and are willing to work. However, it is almost impossible for them to feed their families because the foundation is missing – and that is what we want to create.
The Concept of the Cattle Project
Armenia is great for raising livestock. The cattle project has been carried out for more than fifteen years mainly in the north-east of the country and previously also in Nagorno-Karabakh. Most of the residents there have both a stable and the knowledge needed to raise livestock. Many had to sell their livestock, for example to avoid or pay off debts. But without this source of income, they are often faced with ruin.
The aim of the cattle project is to offer working families the opportunity to support themselves. This will give them a sense of self-worth and develop a sense of social responsibility. For many of them it is a special experience to become “givers” by passing on the firstborn cows, sheep and pigs. The children are naturally involved in the work in the barn and have fun learning to deal with livestock.
Before handing over the animals, every family in question is visited, also the local councils get involved. The families must be able and willing to work, have basic knowledge of animal husbandry and have a suitable stable.
Would you like to help a needy mountain farmer’s family? Once a year we introduce new families on the German page who need help and show how we have already been able to help other families. You can of course donate all year round!
