Happy New Year

All our staff, both in the UK and Africa, would like to wish you a very Happy New Year.

As we begin 2012, it is worth taking some time to reflect on 2011; it was a very positive year for Send a Cow but, of course, not without its challenges.

Working hand in hand with farmers, we continued to transform the lives of thousands of African families in 2011. The year saw a record-breaking number of families become self reliant; in Uganda alone 1,000 farmers 'graduated' over the summer - they are now successfully equipped with the skills and capital to change their lives.

As we continue to support many more families towards graduation, 2011 was a stark reminder about the devastation that extreme climate can bring.

In 2011, the area surrounding Mount Elgon in Uganda was hit by landslides which caused loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure and local markets. In Ethiopia and Kenya, throughout the summer and beyond, the drought in the Horn of Africa also had a massive impact on many of our farmers. Although not living in the worst affected areas, farmers here faced an extended dry season causing crops to fail and food prices to skyrocket. 

Thanks to supporters raising over £120,000, we were able to dig wells, teach farmers innovative ways of collecting and storing valuable water when it did fall and also show farmers how to store food in order to have produce to sell when times are tough.

The generosity and committment from our supporters last year prompted our Thank You drive in the run up to Christmas. Contacting as many of our supporters as possible by handwritten note or phone, staff here at Head Office passed on thanks and best wishes including messages from the African families you help to support. It was a really inspiring time for us all.

Thank you for your continued support. We are really excited about what is to come in 2012, and look forward to updating you on our progress.

Here is a poem, written by Wondwossen Teshome, Communications and Marketing Coordinator in Ethiopia:

A wish for New Year - with new hope and vision

Lots of blessings and divine will

To contribute - contribute and contribute

For others who really need our help

For the generation who follows our foot steps

To leave a landmark to positively influence

With our knowledge, skills and resources

This is a life worth living - a life of sharing and caring

I share mine - my colleagues do theirs

You share yours  - for poor people in the world

“Thank you” from Send a Cow Ethiopia