Tony, one of Invisible Children’s (IC) Legacy Scholarship Program (LSP) students, was recently given capital to start up a cattle-farming enterprise in order to gain financial independence.

“I chose rearing of cows for my project because they are easy to maintain, I am assured of milk for my family, and with breeding the cows can multiply,” Tony said confidently.

Under the supervision of his paternal uncle, IC gave Tony 2 million shillings (a little over $800) to purchase three heifers and cover other project costs like building a corral and taking care of any medical expenses for the animals.

While Tony is working at an internship with the IC film team in Gulu, the cattle project has been managed by Tony’s uncle with assistance from his cousins. The whole family shares in the work, as they will all be able to share in the benefits once the little herd begins to grow.

In business, ups and downs are inevitable. Tony’s project has already seen a number of these, from the exciting news that two of the heifers were pregnant to the devastating news of the death of one of the pregnant animals.

Focused on what lies ahead of him, Tony wants to ensure a long life for the remaining two heifers by regularly checking on the animals and ensuring that his uncle has medication for the heifers in case any illnesses arise. Anita, an LSP mentor, is working with Tony to see to it that these needs are met and to ensure that the project is a success.

-Germina

Tony’s family will pitch in to help out with the new cattle-raising project.