We have had the opportunity to visit the elderly people in our Elderly Care Programme in a different way, thanks to the interest and support of the children and young people who are part of the new support group for the elderly: Akiyok Ngimojong (Caring for the Elders Group). It was a very meaningful experience, which humbled us and which had a positive impact on the children who accompanied us.

For some of these children, it was their first time to visit some of these villages. You could see from their faces that they had realised something very important, and that spoke louder than words. They were able to see for themselves that there are people in our communities who need them and that, sometimes, a simple gesture of kindness, a meal or simply being there can mean a great deal.

During the visit, we shared home-cooked food and vegetables harvested from one of our shambas (vegetable plots). The elderly welcomed us with great warmth and their joy was evident. They blessed the young people, and this made the experience even more special.

We also took the opportunity to present them with the group’s T-shirt, marking the start of what we hope will become an ongoing journey of service, connection and contribution to the community.

It was more than just a visit. It was an opportunity for the young to learn, to connect with their roots, to look beyond themselves and to understand the importance of caring for and honouring our elderly.

We hope that our programme for the aged will continue to encourage more young people to care for elderly with love and respect.

Maggy Gitau

Apprentice of the MCSPA

Kokuselei Mission [Kenya]

In every culture and tradition, caring for the elderly is seen as a noble and meaningful act. Showing love and respect, and according attention and dignity is a simple yet profound way of taking care of the elderly.

We have a group of 30 elderly persons whom we support with monthly rations. Also, every year we organize a special meal for all the elderly of Dakuna village and the surrounding villages. This year on the feast day of St, Gregory the Great, we at St Scholastica Mission organized a meal for 45 elderly men and women. We also took food to the home-bound, making a total of 102 beneficiaries.

Apart from offering them a warm plate of food, we shared conversation and compassion. The fellowship was warm and provided a deep sense of belonging. After all the activities, we distributed soap and salt.

The gratitude so apparent in their eyes, the stories heartwarmingly shared, and a presence that was warm and reassuring … all a gentle reminder of the value of life and the power of human connection! A two-way exchange becomes apparent: while they received care, we received wisdom and blessings!

A meal given lovingly can be a prayer in action – a silent, powerful gesture that uplifts hearts. In a fast-paced world, taking time to feed and care for our elderly is a way to pause, reflect and give back!

We would like to express our gratitude to all who collaborated in this endeavour, especially the GREGO (a group from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in Spain) and their families and friends who support this annual event for the elderly. Our thanks also go to friends from Mexico.

“When you feed an elder, you don’t just give them food, you give them joy, remembrance and hope.” – an African proverb.

By Lydiah Obok, MCSPA

St. Scholastica Mission, Dakuna (Ethiopia)