Dan West, a Midwestern farmer and Church of the Brethren youth worker, ladled out cups of milk to hungry children on both sides of the conflict. He asked his friends back home to donate heifers, a young cow that has not borne a calf, so hungry families could feed themselves. In return, they could help another family become self-reliant by passing on to them one of their gift animal's female calves. The idea of giving families a source of food rather than short-term relief caught on and has continued for more than 50 years in the Heifer Project, which is currently led by its president, Jo Luck, pictured here. As a result, families in 115 countries have enjoyed better health, more income and the joy of helping others.
Farmers learn sustainable, environmentally sound agricultural techniques.
Beatrice's Goat is by Page McBrier, with Lori Lohstoeter doing the illustrations. Hillary Rodham Clinton, the former American first lady and now a US senator, did the afterword. It was published by Simon and Schuster. It is in western Uganda, along the Rwenzori Mountain chain, some of the most beautiful country in the world, but for the past several years, some of the most dangerous. Our files are filled with rebel attacks in the region.