Making Living Wisdom School a Special Place to Be

An Interview with our friend Virani

By Hridaya Atwell

Virani Ramsden, our friend in this October 2010 edition, is the head of Yogoata Dairy at Ananda Village. After researching and studying goats and apprenticing on a large goat farm in New Mexico, she started Yogoata in January of 2009.
Besides providing fresh, nutritious goat milk to the members of Virani¹s milk co-op, the goats are instrumental in grazing down the underbrush all over the village. The original members of the Yogoata herd were 7 pregnant females from the New Mexico farm that were bred and raised to browse in the wild. These goats are not fed on grains, but on local vegetation solely, which makes the milk much more nutritious, according to Virani. The herd has now increased to 30, with the boys staying on for mowing and browsing.
Hearing a braying donkey among the goat herd as you drive past the dairy might seem a little strange. That voice belongs to Jenny, a wild burro, whose job it is to protect the goats from any predators. She can be quite feisty and so far has done a splendid job is safe-guarding her goat buddies.

Not only has Virani dedicated her life to Yogoata, she has been instrumental in sharing the whole "goating process" with the students of Living Wisdom School.  She has student apprentices, teaches a goat class to the 5th and 6th graders, teaches Sunday School outside around the goats, and just generally welcomes children into her magic land of animals. The following is drawn from a delightful talk I had with her recently about goats and children.

How did the school children first get involved with Yogoata?

Animals are magnetic to children, especially baby animals. The visits from the children just started happening organically. The dairy is very near the school. It was just so natural for the kids to stop by on their way to and from school and, also, at recess. Eventually I did a class on goats for the 5th and 6th grade class because the kids were just so interested and made it happen.

Why is it beneficial for children to be involved with animals?

There is a drama and aliveness that you get from working with animals that makes you feel more engaged and active. You¹re not allowed to be just a passive player, even when you¹re just calmly with the animals you¹re observant and aware. There are joys and dangers that don¹t happen sitting in front of a TV. You have to respond and make decisions on the move, which is especially good for children. Kids who grow up around barnyards are happier. Being in the open-air working hard, making intuitive connections with the animals, these experiences are priceless for kids.

What is one of your favorite experiences involving children and goats?

Narani brought her first grade class for a visit one morning. She must've felt something happening because they got here just in time to see a baby goat being born. When a goat is born the head and front hooves appear first. There was a hushed silence, as if the kids' feeling of awe was making them hold their breath. Then one little girl piped up as the head and hooves appeared, "Look! It's a two-headed goat!" (Laughter) But you know, the kids get so much from being with the goats. One time, a somewhat shy child who works with me looked up from tending one of the goats and said so sincerely, "This goat really likes me!" That was so meaningful to me.

Do you have any parting thoughts?

Working with goats and kids seems like the sweetest thing I¹ve ever done. I feel like I live in a nature movie. It¹s magical to see the kids making a connection with nature. They¹re watching, really seeing and being a part of the natural world. And they love the goat milk smoothies I make them!