Another group of goats will be heading to Africa to help improve the lives of impoverished people thanks to Leonard Elementary.

Led by the school’s We Can Make a Difference group, the students raised a total of $760, enough to send 10 goats through World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization that works with children, families and communities to fight poverty and injustice in nearly 100 countries.

“All of these kids are amazing,” said teacher Helen Andreou, the group’s adviser. “They can’t ignore things like children (in other countries) going hungry. They have to do something. They have to take action.”

This is the fourth year Leonard has raised funds to send goats to Africa. The first year, the school sent one. The second year, it was three. Last year, eight goats were purchased.

“These students are looking beyond (where they live) and making a difference in this world,” Andreou said.

But why goats? World Vision’s website (www.worldvision.org) explains:

“One goat can change everything. Her milk provides great protein to help children grow. The family can also sell any extra to earn money for medicines and other necessities.

“A healthy dairy goat can give up to 16 cups of milk a day. Goat’s milk is easier to digest than cow’s milk and is an excellent source of calcium, protein and other essential nutrients that growing children need. Goats are practical animals — flourishing in harsh climates while producing valuable manure to fertilize crops and vegetable gardens.”

An $85 donation to World Vision buys one goat. The price recently increased from $75.

Three Leonard students were recognized during Friday’s schoolwide assembly for going above and beyond for the goat project by saving and donating their own money.

Fourth-grader Jaiden Hatchew raised enough to send three goats. Second-grader Elijah Wright donated enough for one-and-a-quarter goats. Fourth-grader Sierra Musial gave enough to buy one goat.

“Leonard is a very caring and proactive school,” Andreou said. “The students are very aware of what’s going on in the world and want to be part of it.”