This little piggy has now multiplied into several more pigs. Selling the pig’s offspring is providing much-needed income for Zin Ko Htoo’s family and helps pay school fees for the 10-year-old boy and his siblings.

December 2009

By Rachael Boyer, World Vision U.S., and Nyein Pyae Sone Thaw, World Vision Myanmar

Have you ever wondered who gets all the goats and chickens and ducks and pigs that people donate through World Vision’s Gift Catalog? Are Gift Catalog items on your Christmas wish list? Or, are you planning on giving Gift Catalog gifts to friends or family members?

Whatever the case may be, this story is a great example of how a simple gift can change many lives for the better.

‘Crying for something to eat’

Zin Ko Htoo, 10, lives with his parents and four siblings in Myanmar, a small South Asian country located between Bangladesh and Thailand.

His mother, who stays at home to care for the children, had no means of supporting her family. And even though Zin Ko’s dad is a hardworking farmer, he did not bring in a steady income.

“When the school season [would] start, I could not buy new school bag or other school support for my children,” recalled Mrs. Htoo. “And I was pregnant at that time, and have many children. They were crying for something to eat but [there was] nothing to eat at home.”

A life-changing gift

A World Vision staff member saw how the Htoo family was in need of a source of additional income. In May 2007, this family, along with several other families in the area, received piglets from donations through the World Vision Gift Catalog.

The Htoos’ piglet quickly grew into a large pig, which gave birth to three piglets. They sold two piglets to pay school fees for the children, and they shared one piglet with another family who was in need, multiplying the gift even further.

And when the pig delivered a second round of piglets, Mrs. Htoo was able to sell them to pay for the medical expenses from giving birth to her youngest son.

The pigs have added another benefit to the family — fertilizer. Their vegetable patch has done quite well since the piglet arrived. “And also, selling the fresh vegetables give us much income. After saving a lot of money, we are planning to open [a] small shop,” said his mom.

“My mom bought a school bag, sandals, [and] pants for me at the month of June, which is school season, and I am really satisfied,” explained Zin Ko.

How the Gift Catalog works (Watch Video)

World Vision’s Gift Catalog has more than 100 items to choose from in at least 20 categories such as animals, education, medical care, clean water, agriculture, HIV and AIDS care, and hope for sexually exploited girls.

Gifts of animals like pigs, goats, or chickens can provide needed nutrition and extra income that then multiplies, helping families become more self-sufficient so they can, in turn, help others.

When you donate a gift from World Vision’s Gift Catalog, you have the opportunity to give a meaningful gift in honor of a loved one — a gift that can also transform the lives of children and families like the Htoos.

Your loved ones will receive a card that explains the gift given in their honor and how it will help transform the life of the child or family who receives it.