OUR WORK
Heifer International Hong Kong
Launched in 2000, Heifer International - Hong Kong (HHK) helps support and fund Heifer projects in China. Working in partnership with Heifer International, HHK is a non-profit organization registered as a charity in Hong Kong. By engaging the local community, HHK hopes to increase awareness and enthusiasm for Heifer's China Program through events and communication outreach efforts in Hong Kong.
In line with the mission of Heifer International, Heifer Hong Kong serves to:
a) provide opportunities for the Hong Kong community to support Heifer International's poverty alleviation program in China
b) raise the public awareness of Heifer's work and values through education
See also: Board of Directors
Videos
President Clinton Endorsement Video
Heifer's Work & "Read to Feed" Program
Mission
To work with communities to end hunger and poverty and care for the earth
Approach
Heifer provides struggling families with 2 simple gifts: the gift of food and income producing animals, and training to care for the animals in ways that do not harm the environment. (See What Gift Animals Can Do for more information)
By training participating families in animal husbandry, environmentally-sound, sustainable agricultural practices and community development, Heifer makes lasting change possible.
At the heart of Heifer's philosophy is a promise that families must keep: to "Pass on the Gift" of one or more of their animal's offspring, or return the loan used to purchase livestock to help other struggling families. Families enjoy dignity in helping others in need; communities are strengthened as families are motivated to help others become self-sufficient.
See also: Our History
Heifer China
In 1946, Heifer International first sent 550 dairy cows to China through the United Nations Rehabilitation & Relief Service. In 1984, Heifer resumed its poverty-alleviating endeavors in Dayi, Ya'an and Jianyang County of Sichuan Province, China. Today, the Program has covered 16 Provinces (Municipalities and Autonomous Regions). Over 63,000 families of 19 ethnic groups (Han, Yi, Miao, Tibetan, Hui, Qiang, Wa, Lahu, Hani, Uygur, Naxi, Buyi, Yao, Lisu, Bai, Pumi, Tu, Man and Mongolian) have received assistance.
Heifer China is in charge of implementation and management of all Heifer projects within the Mainland. It works with the local governmental and non-governmental development institutions in managing the rural development projects.
Most of project animals, purchased locally or from other provinces, are superior breeds which are suitable for local climate, raising conditions and market demand. Only a few scarce breeds are imported from abroad. Heifer China and its project partners have held nearly 8,400 technical training sessions, over 290,000 farmers and field technicians have been trained. Most recipients reported to have increased income by 40%, some doubled or even tripled their income within five years. Their living conditions were improved noticeably.
See also: HK-funded Projects in China
Our Values
Heifer International's 12 Cornerstones for Just and Sustainable Development
Heifer International's approach to development around the world incorporates twelve "Cornerstones for Just and Sustainable Development", which guide Heifer's work.
The Cornerstones are the values and principles of the organization, and are aimed at strengthening families and communities holistically (i.e. the material, social, mental, spiritual, and ecological aspects of human development). The cornerstones are known as PASSING on the GIFTS.
Passing on the Gift
Accountability
Sharing and Caring
Sustainability and Self-Reliance
Improved Animal Management
Nutrition and Income
Gender and Family Focus
ON THE
Genuine Need and Justice
Improving the Environment
Full Participation
Training and Education
Spirituality
See also: 12 Cornerstones in Detail