A heartfelt note of thanks from ASRI to all the donors of CfN.
Nestled near the lush expanse of Palung Mountain National Park, widows in underprivileged villages are rewriting their stories—turning struggles into resilience with the help of an unexpected ally: goats.
This remarkable transformation lies at the heart of the Goats for Widows program by Alam Sehat Lestari (ASRI). Through this initiative, widows receive more than just a goat—they gain a renewed sense of purpose and a chance to contribute to environmental preservation.
These gentle animals are more than they seem. Their manure enriches the soil, creating a foundation for sustainable organic farming. This reduces the need for harmful land-clearing practices, protecting both the environment and livelihoods. Thriving farms provide an alternative to illegal logging, fostering a harmonious balance between the community and nature.
Since its launch in 2014, the program has equipped widows with goats and the knowledge to care for them. In return, they contribute manure to ASRI’s organic farming projects, creating a beautiful cycle of giving back to the land that sustains them.
This year, the program received a meaningful boost, thanks to a heartfelt gesture. Donations made in celebration of our Chair Rhoda Phillips’ birthday were directed to Goats for Widows, giving more women an opportunity to join this life-changing initiative. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this cause!
A heartfelt note of thanks from ASRI to all the donors of CfN.
One of the widows, Rosmah shares:
“I was able to use one goat for aqiqah (the Islamic tradition of sacrificing an animal on the occasion of a child’s birth). ASRI provided one goat for me and now I’ve been able to raise 20 more on my own! These goats are a valuable source of income for me, supplementing my daily farming activities.”
Women like Rosmah are walking testimonials to the program’s impact. With her goats by her side, she’s not only supporting her family but also building a future where communities and forests thrive together.
Your support means more than you can imagine—it’s a lifeline for the widows and a critical step in preserving the beauty of Palung Mountain’s forests. Together, we can expand this initiative and continue connecting people and the planet in meaningful ways.
If this story inspires you, let’s start a conversation about how we can make an even bigger impact—one person, one goat, and one forest at a time.
[Featured Photo c/o ASRI]
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