Celianie Miscadin is a 59-year-old woman who lives in Cachiman, Haiti (Cachiman started partnering with Food for the Hungry Canada in 2008). She has six children between the ages of 17 and 25. All the children are attending secondary school. Sadly, Celianie has been widowed for nearly a year.
Her husband had been struck with paralysis for more than five years prior to his death due to a sudden drop in blood pressure. Neither Celianie nor her husband had a job. They only made a living by farming the land. After her husband’s paralysis, it was hard for Celianie to take care of all the family needs on her own, particularly those of her husband.
In 2013, Celianie was given one female goat by FH, thanks to donations to the Gift Guide. “It was the first time we had a goat in our yard,” she said, “Since the very first day, we have taken good care of the goat. The goat was so sweet that every one of us in the family wanted to be the only one in charge of it!”
The goat was obviously well-kept and well-fed. Soon, the goat became pregnant and gave birth to two kids, fortunately both female. “I gave one female goat to another family according to the pay-back model, and I let the other grow in order to give birth to other kids,” explains Celianie. “As a result, we’ve already gotten six goats from our first female goat received from FH.”
Last September, Celianie sold a goat in order to pay school fees and buy school books for her children. Another goat was sold to repair the house because the roof was full of holes. “My family benefits a lot from this unforgettable gift,” says Celianie. “You can never imagine how that female goat has helped us to overcome some of the economic difficulties that we were faced with over the last three years. In the most difficult moments, selling a goat is my only life line.”
The goat also enabled Celianie to set up a very small business. “I am now a street vendor during Belladere’s local market days. I usually sell foodstuffs, farm produce, and condiments like spices and other seasonings. The profit from this small business is used to take care of my children. I plan to sell another goat in the following months in order to grow my business.”
“I don’t have enough words to express my gratitude towards FH staff for all that they have done for the community of Cachiman,” Celianie says. “Thank you for your support.”
GIVE A GOAT
