Pigs as Prizes!!

Yesterday I caught up with a project in Zaragoza, who will be receiving a Step team next week. They run educational projects for children who are at risk of dropping out of school, and have expanded their activities to include adult literacy programmes, computer classes, women´s groups, a water filtration project and lots more. Yesterday, whilst I was there, they also launched a new project. Four of the children who have consistently attended the educational programme were awarded with a... 4 month old PIGLET! Their 'certificate' also included a commitment to look after and feed their pig so that it grows healthily - the presentation ceremony included some advice from the local family who have reared the pigs so far. In a few months time, they´ll be able to sell the pig, giving their families much needed income, as well as the ability to buy another piglet and start the whole process again.
In this rural town, this is a great way to help local families in extreme need. At the same time, it teaches the children vital skills and responsibility in looking after an animal. Brilliant!