FOCUS ON THE MOST VULNERABLES

IN COMMUNITIES-UG.ORG

A PROJECT

EXTENDING A SMILE TO THEIR FACES

JANUARY, 2008

INTRODUCTION

Older persons are defined as persons aged 60 years and above. The process of the development of this project involved conducting a series of research activities and meetings with stakeholders. Older persons as the beneficiaries were also consulted to ensure that they agree with the priorities, objectives and expected outcomes of the project. The issues generated were used to formulate the project.

Background

Focus on most Vulnerable in Communities is a Community Based Organization. The organization has developed a project for the elderly; in 2008 FMVC conducted a survey to obtain information on the life experiences of older persons mostly in Mukono, in order to increase awareness and to raise support for their needs. The survey was conducted in five districts of Uganda where a total of 200 older persons were consulted. 140 older persons were interviewed individually in their homes, and 60 older persons were interviewed through group meetings (to be submitted for publication). The survey findings were analyzed in one day by qualified ministry representatives, community representatives and the organization staffs in September 2008 in Mukono. The aim of the one day analysis of the findings was to build consensus on future priorities for action in response to the survey findings as well as drawing from knowledge and plan of the people involved.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES:

Building on the Human Rights-Based Approach

By seeking to realize the rights of old people, who are often disadvantaged.

Reducing Discrimination and Stigmatization

Stigmatization and discrimination, which act as a barrier to the old people within their communities we shall be their own voice.

Treating Recipients with Respect

Communities will be encouraged to treat old people with respect. They are not to be treated as helpless victims but as actors in their own right. They will be entitled to express their own views and be actively involved in matters that concern them.

Ensuring the Social Inclusion of Marginalized Groups

Old people will be involved in their own development process, particularly in affairs that affect them.

Strengthening Partnerships

This will involve strengthening partnerships and networks between existing with government, private sectors, development partners and other organizations, for sustainable service delivery.

Ensuring the Participation of old people

This will involve making old people within their communities part of the solution by seeking their opinions during planning, monitoring and evaluation of interventions.

Intergenerational linkages

This principle emphasizes engagement of older persons in community activities together with different age group towards creating a society for all.

Vision

Communities where older persons are living in a secure and dignified environments that fulfills their needs and aspirations

Values

The core values of the project are love, care and compassion.

Goal: To improve the wellbeing of a number of old people

Objectives

To improve the food security and nutrition status of older persons

To increase knowledge and skills on older persons and issues of aging.

To provide appropriate psychological support

To improve hygiene and sanitation practices in older persons households.

Promote gender equality and social inclusion for older women and men

To ensure that older persons enjoy secure and dignified lives.

Promote evidence based information to facilitate support for older persons

Strategies:

Lobbying and advocacy

Lobby and advocate for recognition of the rights of the older persons.

Resource mobilization

The organization will lobby and advocate for funding to support older persons.

Sensitization and awareness

Sensitization of communities on the rights and responsibilities of the older persons will be carried out.

Strengthening Partnerships

This will involve strengthening partnerships and networks between existing with government, private sectors, development partners and other organizations, for sustainable service delivery.

SITUATION OF OLDER PERSONS;

High levels of poverty

Old persons are the poorest members of society. 64% of them survive on less that US$1 a day. They do not have access to a regular income and majority do not benefit from social security provisions. They are discriminated against and denied employment opportunities once they reach retirement age. Relatives grab their land and other property leaving them destitute and with no means to defend for themselves.

Housing

The majority of older persons live in semi-permanent or makeshift structures, usually grass thatched with mud walls; the homeless ones move from place to place, sometimes occupying abandoned structures. The dilapidated state of the houses they occupy puts them and their dependants under danger as they threaten to collapse over them especially during the rains. The walls, floors and roofs are full of cracks, exposing them to cold and harmful animals and insects. Some of the diseases they suffer from are related to the poor conditions they live in. Lack of personal effects such as bedding and adequate clothing aggravates the problem.

Food and Nutrition

Almost all older persons depend on one meal a day; others survive on a meal for two or more days. Usually this is one type of food only. Lack of a balanced diet leaves many emaciated and exposed to diseases that could be avoided.

Water

Research also revealed that lack of clean water is another crucial problem for older persons in Uganda. They are forced to travel long distances to find clean water. Dependence on contaminated water puts their health at risk.

Health

Health problems are common in old age. These ranges from venereal diseases, backache, joint pains, hearing problems, and jigger infestation, among others. Health care is inaccessible due to high cost and long distances to medical centres.

Neglect, Abuse and Violence

Older persons are increasingly abused physically, socially, economically and psychologically by their families and/or communities. They are segregated and marginalised leading to loneliness, loss of self-esteem and economic deprivation. Older women are abused sexually and physically, the latter following allegations of witchcraft practice and sorcery. A number of older persons lose their lives and property, or are maimed for life. There are no mechanisms in place to protect the rights of older persons resulting in their continued abuse.

Physical disabilities Among Older Persons

Many older persons suffer from one form of disability or another. Physical disability accounts for 56% of the cases, while visual impairment accounts for 39%. Impairment leaves older people dependent due to the inability to engage in income generating activities that would alleviate their poverty situation.

PRORITY AREAS

Housing
Neglect. Abuse and Violence
Water
Food and Nutrition
Sanitation
Health

Are you aware?

Over 1,500,000 old men and women in Uganda are experiencing poverty, loneliness and isolation.
Older women and men suffer from poor health, due to inadequate health facilities.

Older Women and men live in dilapidated houses, whilst others sleep outside.

Remember that old age is everybody’s problem. We shall all grow old one day. The help you give today will be extended to you in the evening of your life. Help break the negative barriers, by supporting the efforts of FOCUS ON MOST VULNERALE IN COMMUNITIES to alleviate the burden of the needy older persons. Donate generously. No contribution is too big or small.

The Executive Director Project Manager

Focus on Most Vulnerable in Communities Focus on Most Vulnerable in Communities

P O Box 978 P O Box 978

Mukono Mukono

Uganda Uganda

Tel: 256-752-969-672 Tel: 256 781-700-894

Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

WEBSITE: FMVC-UG.ORG