IRC’s call for donations to purchase goats for flood affected women has received an overwhelming response. Over Rs. 2m were donated in just over a month. As promised, IRC devised an open and transparent process for the purchase and distribution, the first phase of which was conducted for the affectees of the Shaikh community who had spent almost two months in the IRC Tent city at Khairpur. A veterinary doctor was hired to check the health and suitability of mature goats of various breeds. Only after her approval prices were negotiated and decided by the government contractors Taluka Municipal Administration of Maal peeri. A village committee was set up who finalized the price. Payment was made to the vendors in front of the village committee. In this first phase, 26 goats were purchased at the cost of Rs. 2,69,230.

The village bore all the signs of a mela, when the IRC team arrived there. Women and children rejoiced at the sight of the goats and sang folk songs. The recipients were selected through an open draw of names. Each proud woman came up to receive her goat along with necessary lengths of rope and useful goat rearing tips and advice from the vet. All villagers gave an undertaking to give the first baby of the goats to IRC so that it can be donated to other women. Thus the scheme will be partly self perpetuating and the women themselves will be able to help others in a similar manner.

The event was a happy one, and brought tears to one’s eye when women talked about what the ownership of a goat meant for them.

Memorable remarks:

This is the first time in my life when there is some thing of my own and in my name.” (Zameer Khatoon)
“May God bless the IRC team for remembering us in this difficult time. I have small children and now I will be able to give them milk from my own goat.” (Sadori Khatoon Shaikh).
“I remember the time of tent city where we all lived like one family. We never ever felt that IRC would leave us alone.” (Mohammad Ramzan Shaikh).
IRC has decided to continue this programme, and will be distributing 100 goats in Dadu, as well as planning for poultry farming. This is an asset building initiative for women only, and we expect to invest resources in training the women so that they can keep healthy animals who can also contribute to the food requirements of their families.
If you wish to become a part of this initiative, you can donate any amount by cash, cheque or on line. Our bank details are as under:

Habib Bank LTD

US$ A/c#:  00120250022610

PKR A/C#:  00120001651403B

SWIFTCODE #: HABBPKKA

Branch Code #:  0012

Address:  ZamZama Branch,   D.H.A Phase V, Karachi

OR send your cheques in the name of Indus Resource Centre at the following address:
Indus Resource Centre
D-42, Block 1, Clifton, Near Ziauddin Hospital, Karachi