News

Animal husbandry for Polish children
Mrs. Maria Szablinska and Mr. Marian Czerniewicz live in Deby village in Gorowo Ilawieckie community with their 4 children.

Maria & Marian used to work at the state farm, however when the state farm system was abolished they became unemployed. At the beginning of their unemployment they received modest state benefits, but after six months, their right to this assistance expired.

Their situation became very difficult. They were determined to do anything to secure an income for their family. From time to time they got temporary employment working for local farmers. Other times they collected salvage or other waste to survive. The family constantly struggled to retain their dignity.

Bóthar and Heifer International programmes were in place in the Szablinskas home region of Gorowo. The family applied to participate in the project. Following months of preparation and training the family received an Irish dairy goat. As they do not possess their own field or farm they made an agreement with their neighbours to graze their goat on their grassland.

The goat has been a crucial source of food for the family; the nutritious milk helps the family to maintain a healthy diet. They sell the surplus milk to earn an income. As the children help to look after the goat they are acquiring knowledge on animal husbandry and are also learning how to be responsible for others. The entire family is learning to become part of the greater Bóthar community and have already passed on their first-born kid to another destitute family. The family has learnt that there is light at the end of he tunnel through the assistance of Bóthar.

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