Soya Cows

Child Haven International (CHI):

The sight of poor and destitute children is not uncommon on the streets of Asia. Neither is the sight of disadvantaged peoples. Employment for the lower and disadvantaged class is far and few in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Tibet. It is still a daily struggle for women to meet their basics rights. This blog is a blog of hope. It tells the tale of one family, that is making a difference in the lives of hundreds of women and children in this region in the world, and the story begins with an organization called: Child Haven International. 

Child Haven is home to over 1100 children in nine different cities in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Tibet. It was started in 1985 by Bonnie and Fred Cappuccino-- After adopting and raising 21 children from around the world, and providing help to numerous others, Child Haven was established in order to reach more individuals at a local level. Although this is a small scale project it has no-doubt been a success. Since its establishment Child Haven has not only improved the lives of thousands of children, but it has also been a source of empowerment and has drastically improved the lives of many women living in these countries.  This object has been met through direct employment, education, legal aid, and occupational opportunities (CHI). Women are employed as cleaners, teachers, cooks, cargivers, managers, healthcare professionals, office staff, matrons, ihas, and dhobis. Employees get full access to medical care- and maternity care, literacy classes (should they choose), family planning. Furthermore, basic care, meals, housing and wages are included in employee benefits.

SoyaCow Project:

The SoyaCow Machine was invented in 1988. By 1992 Child Haven had purchased 6 machines for their homes, and since they have being using the Soya Cow machine to provide soy milk and soy milk products to their homes. 

The Soya Cow machine is capable of turning ~1.7 kgs of raw soy beans into 3 gallons of soy milk in about 30 mins.  Soy Milk is a low cost, but nutritious supplement, this offers the children a high dense source of protein. It is cheaper than cows milk. Moreover, it produces ten times as much soy milk at about a ~1/3 of the cost if comparing production per acres (CHI).  The left over pulp, and milk can make products such as yogurt, and tofu, or a nutritious spread for chapattis and other breads. This process is safe and since it is diluted with water it keeps the milk it free from contaminants and pollutants (CHI). 

Aside from the health benefits, This machine has also been empowering women since its invention. Soya Cow machines are intended to be sold to projects or women in developing countries (CHI). As trained Soya Cow technicians the women are able to provide employment and self sufficiency from the profits generated from the product. I though this product, was an interesting innovation with the attempt to empower women and increase the nutrition and food security within and among communities. The program has been sucessful, and there are more than 400 machines in India, and the project is spanning to other regions of the world like: south africa, and Haiti. 

Some Resources:

Child Haven International: http://www.childhaven.ca/soyacow.htm


Soya Cow: http://www.worldsoyfoundation.org/whysoy/soycow.html