Heifer International is a charity based in Little Rock, Arkansas which raises money to send animals to people in very poor countries. Its goal is to help people to become self-sufficient by providing them with the animals and the education needed to care for them. The people receiving their help have to make the commitment to pass the gift on to others. Beatrice’s mother and others in her village had applied to Heifer to receive help. The help came in the from of 12 goats that were distributed to the people in their village.