Delivering the Goats

Villagers in Kalalu keep goats in hand-constructed sheds to keep them safe at night. One of the goats donated through the Goats for Widows program.

On Wednesday, we delivered goats to two villagers through our Goats for Widows program. The first goat went to Samuel, who lives next door to the hut where we are staying in Kalalu. Samuel lives with his five children in a compound of mud huts and the newly-constructed goat shed. Neither he nor his children speak any English; students don't learn English until late primary school and secondary school, so many children and adults who have not had a chance to reach that level only speak Lusogo. The Reverend, who is the local leader in Kalalu, was kind enough to act as our translator.

The Reverend led the goats, tied to ropes, to their new homes.

We spoke with Samuel about his life in the village and what receiving a milk-producing goat means for his family's future. Samuel was born and raised in Kalalu. As a young man, he left the village in search of work in the city. He worked as a porter for several years and met his wife in the city. The couple decided to return to the village to raise a family. They had five children, whom we've had ample opportunity to play with. The oldest daughter, Lucy, has shown herself a talented frisbee player.

Tragically, Samuel's wife passed away, leaving him alone with five young children. Samuel developed arthritis, so it is difficult for him to work full shifts in the fields. He grows Cassava and potatoes on his four acres of land, but not enough to feed his family. He said that in the past year, he and each of his children have suffered acute malaria attacks, which further prevents them from growing crops to sustain them.

Samuel said that he likes his home and his community. It is clear that he has some help; when we walked by the Reverend's house today, we saw him sharing a lunch of beans and posho with Samuel. Although he receives some help, however, Samuel's lack of income will limit his children's opportunities.

Scovia's children. Scovia, another widow and goat recipient, hopes that her children will have brighter futures as a result of the program.

With the milk from his new goat, Samuel plans to provide his children with protein and sell any extra milk. Samuel hopes that the profits will be sufficient to send his children to school. With an education, the children will be able to get jobs outside of the village and take care of themselves. Samuel ended the meeting by thanking us profusely for the goat, saying he now saw a brighter future for his children.

~David Bridgman-Packer

Photographs by Anne Sherwood