Youth group support the elderly in their community

I know we say it alot, but we love our youth group!

Recently, they decided that they would like to donate a number of items to the 10 elderly families around our Songani Center. With little resources to achieve this goal, they raised the funds amongst themselves and set out to visit their chosen beneficiaries.

Their visit aimed to encourage the elderly as they face varying challenges in their older years. There was excitement and joy, as the youths presented them with gifts containing some basic necessities such as Soap, soya pieces, cooking oil, sugar and salt. In return, the elderly shared some advice to the youth on how to live a long and healthy life. 

Mr Mbile receiving his gift from The Hope Ambassadors

Mr Mbile, who is 82 years, advised the Hope Ambassadors to abstain from engaging in premature sexual relations since it is one of the major causes of low life expectancy in Malawi. He gave an account of how life was different in his youth compared to now. 

“There are alot of dangers now, a lot of emerging epidemics such as HIV/AIDS. During our time things were smooth as we did not have such deadly pandemics, or such decayed habits such as drinking and smoking.” He is very confident that he is still strong and healthy in his old age because he abstained from sex at an early age. 

In his remarks he pointed out that he was worried for the younger generation as there is has been an alarming rise in the rates of suicide in Malawi. He therefore advised the Hope Ambassadors to continue being around each other for moral support and that they continue to abstain from drug and substance abuse.

Another beneficiary, Mrs Mdala, was very thankful and she asked the hope ambassadors to continue working with the community in such a way.

During the visit one woman, Abiti Sani, shared a very moving story with the group.

Mrs Sani receiving her gift from The Hope Ambassadors

“In my old age, I have received many impolite sentiments from people. Some of them called me a witch because I am poor and old. This gesture will forever remain in my heart as it has shown me my relevance in this society. So thank you.” Our youth club decided to extend their charity by providing farm labour to her family. As it is the planting season in Malawi, the beneficiary shed tears of joy and commended the youth for their kind gesture. 

The elderly are very thankful for the visit as it makes them feel visible and an important part of the community. Their inability to perform physical tasks such as farming and run small scale businesses is a challenge to their lives, especially with the rising cost of living.

This act of kindness from the young Hope Ambassadors has brought joy to the elderly in their community.