Last year, we hosted a two-day goat farming training program for 20 women in Panchkhal Municipality, Nepal.

We always seek out different opportunities to enact our advocacy to empower women with livelihood skills that will boost their overall confidence. All our programs are designed to be holistic. In this goat farming program, not only did these women learn about tending to these animals, but they also learned some leadership skills. After the program, we are confident that they were able to move around their world with better decisions and are much more emotionally resilient.

 

A woman holds a leash attached to a goat while a man measures the goat with measuring tape, surrounded by several people observing the scene.
Demonstration on estimating goat weight using measuring tape, without the need for a weighing scale.

 

It was not a typical lecture-style training. We encouraged active participation since day one, where the women shared constant insights about the topic. Through PowerPoint presentations, group discussions, and practical activities—-the women took ownership of their learning.

On the first day, we started with an icebreaker, a game similar to the “boat is sinking” to build rapport with other participants. Now that the air of awkwardness had dissipated, we continued with an introduction about goat farming. After the discussion, we encouraged the participants to share their experiences about taking care of goats, followed by a group activity and a lecture about seasonal breeding. Before the day ended, we held a mental health session for women to remind them that while livelihood work is important, they are who they should put first.

 

A man and a woman standing side by side in front of a laptop, appearing to be giving a presentation.
Mental heath session facilitated by Dr. Joe (left) from the Philippines with Dr Ashish (right) translating in Nepali.

 

On the second day, we started by reviewing the previous day’s topics. The day was dedicated to teaching them how to properly take care of goats such as the feed making process, taking care of kids and the mother, medicine identification, weighing methods without the use of a scale, and goat house construction. The day ended with a distribution of certificates among the participants.

Now that these women are equipped with goat farming knowledge, they have the potential to earn better and support their families. We are delighted to have such participative and grateful women attend our program. We just know that our efforts will not go to waste!

 

A man stands before a group of women, appearing to lead or facilitate a discussion.
A participant sharing her experience with goat farming to the group.

 

Women gathered on the floor, discussing ideas. One of the women cradles her child while another woman is writing something down on a big piece of paper.
A group preparing for their presentation.

 

A man presenting in front of a large screen, engaging the audience with visual aids and clear communication.
Dr. Mahato sharing the importance of nutritious feeding.

 

A group of people gathered around a table making feed for goats.
Making feed for the goats.

 

Women seated around a table engaged in a discussion while one of them writes their ideas down.
A group listing down the complications of early breeding.

 

 

 

Our Partner

 

 

Captivating Village Development Program Nepal