The gift of 40 original cattle placements, which included 22 heifers and 18 buffalos, was distributed to 40 disabled farm families from three Self-Help Groups. Placement of the animals implemented the Empowerment of SHGs for Sustainable Livelihood Development project (#22-0030-25), managed by Disability Development Services in Pursat (DDSP), one of Heifer’s project partners. The distribution ceremony was held at Chungruk village, Ptehrong commune, Phnom Kravanh district, Pursait province on July 24. A total of 95 people participated in the special event including: the project beneficiaries, Chungruk villagers, village leaders, Ptehrong Commune Council Chief and members, Talour Commune Council Chief, government officers at the district level, Chief of the Phnom Kravahn District Social Affairs Office, Sustainable Cambodia staff, DDSP staff and the Heifer Cambodia team.

In her opening remarks, Heifer Cambodia Country Director Ms. Keo Keang talked about Heifer’s history, vision and mission to the guests. “I am inspired by the SHG’s progress, harmony and cooperation in helping each other to develop the community with strong support from local authorities of all levels,” she said. “We are proud of the participate in this special event, which reflects the close relationship between the SHG members, villagers, local authorities, DDSP and Heifer Cambodia teams in combating discrimination, hunger and poverty.” She encouraged the group members who received the cattle to take good care of the animals that will produce offspring to be passed on to other needy families. The culture of Passing on the Gift will make the community stronger and stronger. Ms. Keang also took the opportunity to interact with the SHG members by asking what the Heifer Cornerstones meant to them. In their responses, the group members expressed their perspective to point to each of the 12 Cornerstones and how they had applied it in their daily lives

“I am fascinated with how deep the group members understand the Heifer Cornerstones, and that the project beneficiaries have put them into practice as these principles are a mental tool to bring the group toward sustainable community development,” Ptehrong Commune Council Chief Chhuon Khorn said during the ceremony. He also expressed his deep thankfulness to Heifer in partnership with DDSP for providing the indispensable gifts to assist and restore hope of the disabled and vulnerable people in his commune. Both physical and mental supports enabled them to improve their livelihood and self-reliance by working together in harmony to synchronize the group’s common goal. This development activity took part in reducing poverty in compliance with the Royal Government of Cambodia’s rectangle strategies.

“Today, my dream becomes true, as I have waited for a long time to receive these gifts,” said one group member; his right leg was amputated by a landmine during the civil war during the 1980s. He added that he was no longer discriminated against and isolated since he joined the group. He felt hopeful with the gift of the buffalo, which will give offspring to pass on to needy families.

DDSP, a local NGO, was established in 2003 with the mission of “working sustainably toward a society in which disabled people have equal opportunities.” The organization focuses on six main activities in providing for people with disabilities the services of basic needs and health care, physical and mental rehabilitations, social affairs and technical trainings, small business, advocacy and capacity strengthening and rights extension. DDSP developed a partnership with Heifer Cambodia in 2008 to implement the project. With Heifer’s support and through application of the Values-Based Holistic Community Development approach, DDSP is working with six SHGs of 80 disabled farm families in two rural communities by improving their nutrition and cash incomes, developing their technical and life skills and empowering their groups for sustainable development. This is the second distribution of original cattle placements to the group. The first was conducted with 40 families last October.

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What is Heifer Project International (HPI)?

Heifer Project International is one of many non governmental organization involved in rural development around the world. It works at the grass-root by providing animals and training to organized local groups that request assistance.