Pensions to protect and empower older people
Kwa Wazee operates its pilot programme since 2003 in the Muleba District in Tanzania - an area which was strongly affected by the consequences of HIV/Aids. Cash transfers in the form of social pensions for older people and child supplements for main carers have proved to be highly effective against severe poverty.
Mutual support groups to strengthen self help capacities
The facilitation of neighbourhood groups offered opportunities to strengthen health prevention and care as well as physical and legal security. Children in care of older people are strengthened as well through an own network of mutual support groups
Research as essential part of the pilot programme
Several studies provide evidence on opportunities and challenges from the Kwa Wazee programme. The most recent study shows the various impacts of the programme and informs about how older people can be reached with social pensions even in a most remote area.
Hit with full force
People contribute little to the climate crisis. But they suffer a lot from its effects.
In recent weeks, the drought, which has extended the dry season by a month, has hit elderly households in Ngenge, Kishuro and Mubunda particularly hard. In mid-October, Bukoba town and Karambi commune were hit by heavy rains and strong winds. Over 150 houses were severely damaged. The roof of the 20-classroom secondary school was completely blown off. Many banana trees have been blown down. The food situation of the people has become precarious. The elderly in particular are in urgent need of assistance.
Relief fund
The Kwa Wazee team has spent the last few days visiting elderly households in Karambi to find out what can be done to alleviate their plight. Based on their suggestions, we have set up a relief fund to provide immediate food assistance to the most vulnerable elderly people. We will also set up long-term rehabilitation and prevention projects as part of the pension programme to better protect the elderly from future climate-related natural disasters.
Older People`s Day
Scene from Older People's Day, Muleba District. Thousands of older women and men assemble to celebrate 'their' day with singing, dancing and games. Supported by Kwa Wazee older people increasingly raise their voices to claim their rights as humans and citizens. Filmed by Edmund Revelian (Kwa Wazee).