Looking After the Elderly in our Community(part 2) - Acts of Mercy

The Miriu region in Western Kenya is a poor rural area with a lot of locals dependent on the food that they can grow to feed their families and the surplus that they can sell at local markets.

This is difficult for people of working age at any time but as diseases such as AIDs, Malaria and TB have badly affected the middle aged and young working population the burden has fallen heavily in many cases on surving maternal grandmothers who not only have to fend for themselves but in some cases have also to adopt numbers of grandchildren and provide food and support for them. These children can often be the ones selected by SSF for school fees support. However what SSF can do does not necessarily make the lives of these amazing old women any easier.

Perez lives alone and is partially sighted. At one time she would have been part of a big family but now has to fend for herself but a neighbour (Roselyne, Acts of Mercy member) does look out for her. But until now she has lacked basic essentials such as warm bedding and an intact mosquito net.

So it was very encouraging to hear that a local women's group - Acts of Mercy has been working for some time trying to raise funds to provide the elderly, disabled and needy within their community with these vital basics.

Sylvia has been ill for a long time but with improved medical conditions and the availability of some of the newer drugs her physical health is beginning to improve but because of her health the demanding physical work to grow crops is not an option. She likewise has been identified by the 'AofM' group and with help from an SSF donor has just received a new warm blanket and a brand new mosquito net.

Abisae (left), Joyce (below), Sylvia and Perez all received blankets and nets along with 2 others and last month 3 other old ladies (Rhoda, Sabine and Waya) benefitted in the same way by SSF donors working with the Acts of Mercy Group.

However Acts of Mercy have already helped about 50 other very needy people in their community. They are part of the Grace Lutherian Church and the members of the group include Pastor Jasper, Deaconess Josephine, Martha, Leah Phoebe, Roselyne and others whose names will be added. A photo of the group is also promised.

This church group also helps with the sick and have provided labour in the rebuilding of houses.

Joyce with her new blanket and mosquito net.

Joyce is a widow in her mid 70s.

She has medical problems but still looks after her 6 grandchildren by herself. The oldest child is a boy of 16. He is in Form 1 but currently is not sponsored.

She is a charcoal burner and this is her only source of income to support the family.