Livestock for Orphaned Children in Congo

Giving goats to families is life changing for the families. We have seen it over and over again – how a family starts with training and counsel. They move on to getting ready to receive the animals from AFCA and finally, they receive three pregnant goats. In order to prepare for the arrival of their animals, a family must build appropriate and safe housing for the goats. They must make sure they have food available and ample water. They must teach children to treat the goats well and to feed them on time. They must learn about vaccinating, and they must know how to detect illnesses so they can quickly treat them. It takes a lot for a family to prepare!

But, what about the goats? How are they prepared? Well, they are loved. They are fed well and they receive great veterinarian care. Most of all, they are around humans and they are hugged and petted. They are called by their names and they are made to feel safe around humans. This way, when they go to their new home, they are comfortable around people and are not skittish nor afraid. They allow their new owners to check them for ticks, to give them medicine when needed, and to make sure they are safe. This doesn’t seem like a big deal, but it really is and we encourage human presence in the lives of the goats as much as possible in preparation for their move to their new family.

This summer in Zimbabwe, our friend Liz as part of a Vacation with a Purpose team, got to hold and pet goats. In fact, she rocked one to sleep! The little guy just snuggled his face into her neck and slept as she held him. Such a wonderful moment for Liz AND for the little goat (Nica)! One day, when Nica is old enough to go to her new family, we hope that she’ll remember being held tenderly and being raised with care and love. We hope she’ll be a blessing to her family, providing them with babies and milk for many years, as well as laughs at her antics and to her curiosity.  At AFCA, we love our goats! Thank you for being part of this important work.  

The team here at the American Foundation for Children with AIDS thanks you for supporting this project and the work we do for the children in Africa.  If you would like to learn even more about what we do or how you can meet some of the children you have helped, please contact Tanya Weaver at tweaver@AFCAids.org.