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Self Help Groups Celebrate POG

On December 7, seven self-help groups (SHGs) from four villages held a Passing on the Gift (POG) celebration in Anlong Sa village, Preahneth Preah district, Banteay Meanchey province, Cambodia. Approximately 300 people participated in the ceremony, including project participants, villagers, members of the Project Management Committee, staff members of Heifer Cambodia staff and the project partner, representatives from of other non-governmental organizations, and local authorities. Also attending was a group of nine visitors, led by American actress Susan Sarandon. During the ceremony, 31 POG families received 46 piglets and 90 chickens.

"I am very excited to become a donor, as I pass on the gifts received from Heifer to another needy family," said Mrs. Buo Sak, from an original family who passed on two piglets to a new family. "I have been waiting a long time for this day. Our group helps form a new group, and we share our knowledge and experience with them. Today, I am very proud to receive a POG appreciation certificate."

POG family member, Mrs. Chen Sieb, said, "Since joining the group, I attended a literacy class and Cornerstones training and learned new skills. I hope that the piglets I receive today will help earn income to improve my family's standard of living and support my children's scholastic materials. I promise to take good care of these resources that will give offspring to be passed on to other needy families. Then I will also become a donor."

In her speech at the celebration, Susan Sarandon expressed her deep thanks to the people in the community for warmly welcoming her to be a part of the wonderful ceremony. She said, “It is a beautiful way to remember our first visit here. I have been working for Heifer for

many years, and it is very special for me to be here and see how people help each other. I have never been to a ceremony like this before. So, I thank you very much for sharing this with me and giving so much hope for the future. When I return home, I will tell everyone in America about the wonderful experience I have had here." Sarandon also said that she hoped to return to the village one day and see the offspring of these pigs being passed on in a future POG ceremony.

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