The
families raise, breed and sell these pigs as a sustainable,
alternative source of income. The pigs provide the extra
income families need so their children can go to school
and become educated citizens. In 2005, Pigs for Kids bought
206 piglets which have the potential to help over 400 children
get the education that is necessary to break the cycle of
poverty.
This project
will target the most poverty-stricken region where illiteracy
and a lack of education exist. Primary schools are available
in Waslala, but 48% of the population is illiterate and
65% of the children do not attend school. Children must
provide their own notebooks, pencils and other school supplies
which many families cannot afford. Additionally, children
often work on the family farm harvesting crops such as corn
and coffee to help support the family. School takes away
from the time a child could be working in the field or helping
with younger siblings, but pigs are low maintenance animals
that unlike acres of farmland requires very little attention
so the children have more time to go to school.
Recently, the government erased the tuition fees and made
all public schools free. Pigs for Kids encourages parents
to take advantage of the free schooling and helps them understand
the importance of their children's education. By providing
the family with pigs, they can do this. |