Buffaloes: Building Sustainable Futures for Families
- Ben Allgrove
- 13 minutes ago
- 3 min read
For Krishna and Ishwor, providing for their sons was always a bit of a challenge. But that challenge became even harder when Krishna was partially paralysed and couldn’t work anymore. Debt and uncertainty surrounded them, and no answers were presenting themselves. Yet they bravely pushed on, and with determination and some timely support from Building Strong Families (BSF), their rough path led them to a better life.
In the hilly countryside of Chhampi, Nepalese father, Krishna, and mother, Ishwor, do the best they can to take care of their two sons. For years, Krishna worked as a labourer going to different farms and construction sites, trying to scrape together enough money for the needs of his family.
But things took a turn for the worse when Krishna became partially paralysed due to high blood pressure. He couldn’t get work anymore, and the medical bills were mounting up. The family struggled to keep up with daily needs as loans stacked higher and other fees remained unpaid. Ishwor recalled the trials, “During the hardest times, we didn’t know how we would feed our children or pay their school fees. Everything felt uncertain.”
Something needed to be done to help them through this challenging time, which would also empower them to become more sustainable and resilient for the future. On hearing of their situation, BSF invited Krishna and Ishwor to join a BSF family-strengthening program, to which they gladly accepted. It was the invitation and lifeline they desperately needed.
The family joined in on the family fun days and training sessions, gaining skills not only in financial management, but growing to understand the importance of teamwork and the values integral to the family home. And as part of their income-generation assistance project, the family received three buffalo calves from BSF to help establish a sustainable source of income!
Krishna and Ishwor were determined to take good care of their new buffaloes and the whole family shared the responsibility. Ishwor prepared the feed and cleaned the stable; Krishna gathered food and took them to graze; and their children helped with the feeding. It was a project with a clear goal that involved teamwork and dedication from all four members of the family.
And all that hard work has paid off. Over the past year, the buffaloes have nearly doubled in size! Now the family plans on selling some buffaloes during the upcoming festive season, expecting to earn twice the initial cost! Some of the money will go towards providing for the needs of their family, and the rest to restocking for a more sustainable future.
Krishna and Ishwor’s experience with BSF has been a fantastic growth opportunity for their dedicated family, and not just financially! The family have become stronger and more tightly knit and have learnt how to support each other during the tough times. Krishna and Ishwor’s dedication to their family and support from BSF is building a resilience that is lifting them out of the challenging situation they were in. With renewed hope, they are now so glad to be looking forward to a much more stable and promising future for their two sons.
"We have faced many hardships, but through BSF's help, and by working together, we have built a stronger family. Now we believe better days are ahead." - Ishwor
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.
Building Strong Families Foundation or มูลนิธิสร้างครอบครัวเข้มแข็ง is a registered foundation in Thailand (ชม770), approved by the Ministry of Interior.
