by Stephen of the Thinkery.
Several years back I heard about a program that provides cows and goats to needy people in Tanzania. On Feb. 16th PBS' Religion & Ethics Newsweekly did a segment on The Heifer Project, which is what I had heard about before.
Theidea is simple. Instead of just handing out milk rations, raise moneyto provide cows and goats. Recipients take a course in caring for theanimals, which are different breeds than what they are used to andprovide much more milk. They also are required to give away the firstfemale calf to another needy family. According to the story on PBS,they've helped over 30,000 families over the last three decades.
That's30,000 families that gained milk to drink and to sell, as well ascalves that, after the first female, can be sold, kept for milk orbutchered.
Another great benefit is that in areas that have amixed Muslim/Christian population, the fact that a Muslim family mightprovide a free calf to a Christian family, or vice versa, has createdan environment of peace and mutual respect and appreciation between thetwo religions.
Imagine that. Christians and Muslims living side by side in peace, all thanks to some cows and goats.
