Whilst in India with a Lincs With India group at the end of January 2010, Kath Hayes President Elect, Alford & Mablethorpe Rotary Club, and other Rotarians from Alford & Mablethorpe visited the Rotary Club of Kilimanoor.
They presented bags of rice and gave away three goats on behalf of Kilimanoor club to local widows. On their return the Club, having heard their report undertook a project to help poor rural families. Help was requested from other Rotary clubs in the area to raise a total of £2300, which -together with grants from Rotary District 1270 and the Indian Rotary club- would support the scheme which would give practical and much needed support.
The plan was to supply goats to 150 poor rural families, with priority given to the families of widows. The recipients have small plots of agricultural/scrub land on which to rear the
goats which will provide them with milk for their own use. In addition there will be sufficient milk to sell some to their neighbours to support the purchase of staple food requirements. Each goat on average should give birth to two kids in each nine month period; the kids can be sold to meet expenses.
From the offspring of the goat, one will be returned to the project for re-distribution and one will be kept by the family, thereby building up stock and giving the family a means of income. Following the re-distribution the number of families benefiting will increase proportionately.
The Rotary Club of Kilimanoor would identify the beneficiaries through a government sponsored body that supports women in rural areas. The Club will obtain competitive tenders from goat merchants, arrange inspection by government vets and the goats will be insured and distributed to identified families. Annual visits to Kilimanoor are usually undertaken by Rotarians from the Alford area, which will enable them to oversee the project.
As a result of our efforts, seven other Rotary clubs each contributed and over £2,400 was contributed to the purchase of goats.