We’re passionate about empowering children to break free from poverty and one surprising way is economic empowerment through animals. When a sponsor gives a family gift or a supporter funds income-generating activity through RESPOND, animals are often what the donations are spent on. Here’s why:

The power of pigs

Pigs are a great choice for income generation. They require few materials to build their pens and are hardy animals, ideal for tough environments.

A pig is capable of reproduction from nine months and can give birth to up to 20 piglets a year. Pigs can survive on low-quality food which is necessary in poor communities where food sources may be scarce.

Hatching a plan

Chickens aren’t just great for puns, they’re also eggcellent for economic empowerment. They don’t require a lot of land and their eggs can be sold as a source of income.

Eggs are a great source of proteins and vitamins, helpful for feeding a growing family.

Chickens reproduce quickly with chicks hatching in as little as 21 days.

Nannies and kids

Give a goat is a common phrase in charity, but why goats? Goats are hardy animals, able to survive in tough environments.

Goats can be milked every 12 hours and can produce between six to eight pints a day. Goat milk is easy to digest, high in calcium but low in cholesterol which means it’s great for growing children.

Goats will eat pretty much anything but they thrive on shrubs, grass and grains.

Their manure can be used for growing vegetables to create another source of vitamins and income.

Local solutions

Compassion works with local churches who know the challenges their communities face. Local staff work with each family to find the best solution for them which means a wide variety of animal husbandry is on offer.

Rabbits are great for companionship, their manure can be used for growing plants and they breed like, well, rabbits.

Sheep produce wool which can be used to knit scarves, ponchos and blankets for extra income.

From goats in Ghana to pigs in Peru, animals are just one way we are empowering children, families and communities to step out of poverty.

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