International Bulletin - August 1999
Helping the elderly help themselves
HelpAge International runs a host of support projects, especially in developing countries
HelpAge International (HAI) is one of the world's biggest networks of not-for-profit organizations involved in community activities designed with and for older people. It has 57 members worldwide, most of them in less developed countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America. In countries where conflict, disaster or social transition have created particularly acute situations, HelpAge International runs programmes to support some of the most vulnerable older people, in many cases by strengthening the capacity of local organizations to address their needs. HAI is active in such fields as health care, income and food security, ophthalmic work, training and education, emergency relief, care, advocacy and research. One of its chief aims is to increase the involvement of older people in project planning and management.
In one HAI-supported village project in Cambodia, older people have started up rice banks, from which participants borrow rice for food or sowing, refunding it with interest-in rice-after the harvest. Some of the 'profit" is distributed free to frail older people in the village. In South Africa HAI is working with the Muthande Society for the Aged (MUSA) on a three-year literacy project in six centres in Durban. A team of older people trained as literacy tutors are running courses in Zulu, English and numeracy, with lessons designed to help students cope with real-life challenges - pension forms, bills, telephone numbers and sewing patterns.
Related Site: www.helpage.org
Last Modified: June 05, 2010