Amal Mawla, a 40-year-old wife and mother of 4 children who lives in extremely poor conditions, suffers from severe financial hardships. This family was part of the “Food Security for Vulnerable Bekaa Families through Sheep Farming” project, implemented by the Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training (LOST), funded by the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). They received 2 sheep with the launching of the project.
First, Amal attended all the training workshops provided by LOST and followed the guidelines given to her. As a result, the number of sheep she received increased and she now owns 7 sheep and goats. The livestock are providing around 4 kilograms of milk per day, enough to cater to their needs for the winter, and a surplus to be sold. It is estimated that each kilogram of milk can be sold for around $1.50, increasing their livelihood and ameliorating their lives. In addition, Amal created dairy products that can last for a very long time, such as cheese, labneh (traditional Lebanese dairy product), and kishek (another traditional dairy product). She also used the wool from the sheep to make pillows and clothes for her children.
Amal and her family had the opportunity to further develop the assets she had, and expanded it to maximize the possible benefits received. The lives of this family and other families were enhanced and enriched, since they were provided with food security for the cold winter days, and they were provided with a simple yet effective and durable source of income.
