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Program > cornerstones
Heifer's Cornerstones
Twelve values (Cornerstones) that exemplify our work
were chosen by Heifer International staff and partners worldwide through a
process that took several years and which is continuously evaluated. The
first letter of each was chosen so that they spell out our central
philosophy of Passing on the Gifts.
on
the
Passing on the
Gift
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Passing
on the gift embodies Heifer International's philosophy of practical
sharing and caring. Heifer recipients agree to pass on one or more of
their animal’s offspring, training or skills to another family in need.
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Accountability
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Heifer
project partners define their own needs, set goals and plan appropriate
strategies. Heifer provides guidelines for planning, monitoring, screening
and evaluating.
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Sharing and
Caring
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Heifer believes that global problems can
be solved if all people are committed to sharing what they have and caring
about others. Sharing and caring reflect Heifer’s commitment to humane
treatment of animals and shared vision of justice for all people.
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Sustainability and
Self-Reliance
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Because Heifer funds project for a limited
time, project groups must plan to support themselves eventually. Heifer
has found that self-reliance is most easily achieved when a group has
varied activities and generates support from several sources.
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Improved Animal
Management
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Feed, water, shelter, reproductive
efficiency and health care are essential to successful livestock
management, and are a requirement for Heifer’s livestock projects.
Animals should be a vital part of the farm activities without causing
burden on family members or resources.
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Nutrition and
Income
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Livestock contribute to human nutrition
and well-being in two ways. Directly, they provide high-quality protein
and fiber and, indirectly, draft power for crops and transportation, as
well as manure for soil fertility. Heifer livestock has the potential to
help families earn income for education, healthcare, housing and
emergencies. As living saving accounts, livestock also provide long-term
economic security.
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Gender and Family
Focus
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Heifer’s gender program encourages women
and men to share in decision making, ownership of animals, labor and the
benefits of projects. Heifer is committed to gender equity to increase
mutual respect between men and
women, thus strengthening the family.
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Genuine Need and
Justice
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Heifer is a partner to people who truly
need an opportunity to improve the quality of their lives, and who can
benefit from modest support. Group members develop their own criteria to
determine who will receive animals and related inputs. The poorest in the
community should be included in group membership and receive priority for
assistance. Families are eligible regardless of creed or ethnic heritage.
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Improving the
Environment
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The introduction of livestock should
improve the environment by having a positive impact on one or more of the
following: soil erosion, soil fertility, sanitation, forestation,
biodiversity, pollution, wildlife and watershed conditions. Livestock
should not cause or worsen any environmental problems.
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Full Participation
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Heifer works with grassroots groups or
intermediary organizations representing grassroots groups. Effective
groups have strong leadership and must be committed to involving all
members in decision making.
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Training
and Education
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Groups decide their training needs, and
local people are involved as trainers. Training includes formal sessions
as well as informal (farm visits, demonstration, model or promoter
farmers) and is hands-on more than academic. In addition to training in
livestock husbandry and care of the environment, groups have requested
training in diverse topics such as food processing, marketing, group
information and human nutrition.
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Spirituality
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Spirituality is common to all people and
groups, regardless of their religion or beliefs. Spirituality is expressed
in values, beliefs about the value and meaning of life, a sense of
connectedness to the earth and a shared vision of the future. It often
creates a strong bond among group members and gives them faith, hope and a
sense of responsibility to work together for a better future.
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