Life hasn't been easy for Raju and Phulmaya. They struggled to provide the bare essentials for their girls. But with the addition of some goats and a bit of hard work, things are looking up.
Raju was the sole breadwinner for his family in Nepal. His wife, Phulmaya, focused on taking care of their two daughters. Out of desperation, Raju decided to go to work in India to earn money for his struggling family. He left Phulmaya and his daughters behind. After arriving in India, his income was not as expected so he returned to Nepal to look for work on construction sites. He faced many challenges to earn enough to provide for the basic needs of his wife and children. His daily wages on construction sites was not enough for him to start a business of his own.
After hearing of their situation, BSF invited Raju and his family to join an 18 month family-strengthening program in Dhapakhel, Nepal. They were so happy to receive this invitation and opportunity. After a lot of planning and discussion, BSF learned that Raju and Phulmaya had knowledge and experience to raise goats. The couple asked whether it would be possible for Phulmaya to raise goats as a supplementary income source for the family. So after Raju and Phulmaya had constructed a goat shelter, BSF provided them with five goats to begin building heir herd, three of which were already pregnant. They were so happy!
Phulmaya works very hard to look after her goats while Raju continues to work on construction sites. Together, they earn much more now to support their family.
And it wasn't too long before the family received further good news with Phulmaya reaping the rewards of her hard work. One of her pregnant female goats gave birth to a baby goat (kid) and her herd has now grown! Phulmaya was filled with joy and so thankful for the new little addition to support their family.
Phulmaya said, "I am so happy to receive the first fruits of my hard work with our new goat. It is exciting to see our goat farm expanding. It is providing for the needs of our family. I am so grateful to BSF and my family now has hope for a better future.”
BSF is a partner for project J1079 & J1102 with Australian NGO, Global Development Group (ABN 57 102 400 993). Donations to BSF through Global Development Group are tax deductible in Australia, NZ, and the USA.