By Tanya Weaver | Executive Director
As the group gathered in a church in Zimbabwe, you could feel the excitement brewing. This group of grandmas (and some grandpas) were going to learn basic husbandry and veterinary skills so that they could be eligible to receive 4 chickens and one rooster each, for the orphans for whom they care. While the animals don't belong to the guardians (they belong to the children), the guardians were excited because they know that the kids have a hope of a future, thanks to their animals.
The guardians sat huddled together, wondering what they'd learn today. It was the first of various trainings and they were eager to get started. Loose paper and notebooks were held, along with pens and pencils to take notes. This particular training was done in English, N'debele and Shona - allowing people of all three major language groups in Zimbabwe to know exactly what was going on. As the training came to an end, the group voted on the best date for the next training and they came again, eager as school children to learn more.
After a few trainings and visits to their home to ensure that they were prepared for their chickens, each family received their chickens and roosters. What a celebration! What joy and dancing! One guardian looked at the other and said "you know...we'll be rich and our kids won't need for anything. All we need to do is help these animals live well and take care of the peeps that are born...our kids will be rich". Sitting there that day, listening to this conversation, I was humbled by their words. To think of yourself as rich because you have been given chickens!
Thank you so much for being part of this project, friends. With sincerely gratitude, on behalf of the children and guardians, thank you!
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