Poverty in Afghanistan is widespread. A small herd of sheep can secure the survival of a family. The families can use the wool to make clothes and either use these themselves or sell them on the market. The same goes with the milk.

Following the self-help principle, each family receives four sheep and lambs. They are a special breed of sheep that is accustomed to the hard conditions in the mountain region and that can resist cold winters and hot summers. A veterinary surgeon instructs the families so that the sheep are cared for correctly and remain healthy. The animals are also regularly vaccinated and examined by the vet. To keep up a sustainable effect of such a sheep donation, the families are obliged to pass on one sheep and one lamb to another family three years after they received the donation themselves.

A herd of sheep with four animals costs USD 600.00 (USD 150 per animal).