In the Kibogora area there are a large number of elderly people, mainly women as many men of this generation were killed in the genocide. In normal circumstances the elderly are taken care of by their family in their later years but because of the huge rise in HIV/Aids many of the children who should be looking after parents are dead or incapacitated.

Because of these circumstances there are many cases where instead of being taken care of, the elderly find themselves being responsible for their grand children. In a developing country such as Rwanda there are no government pension provisions for this group.In a rural area such as Kibogora most of the poorest of the population are subsistence farmers so there is little cash in circulation. An elderly woman perhaps looking after 3-4 grand children is not physicaly able to work in the fields growing food and has no way to earn money to buy any.

The Kibogora Initiative provides some assistance to the elderly in the Kibogora area by trying to ensure the families have adequate shelter and by providing a limited amount of food and access to medical attention when required.

Every month around 160 elderly people gather at the Kibogora community centre and are given a simple meal of bread and tea. They have the opportunity to discuss any immediate needs with one of the Pastors and where possible arrangements will be made to provide assistance. At the end of the afternoon each person is given 1Kg of beans, 1Kg of rice and a bar of soap. Many of these old people walk for3 hours to come to the community centre and of course face a similar walk home. This shows the value they place on even this very small amount of assistance.

There is much more that needs to be done but the work is limited by the funds available.  

An extension to the project for the elderly is under consideration in the Kibogora area which would hope to provide a more structured approach to the support of the group. This will hopefully include the provision of a care home for those who are infirm and have no shelter and offer assistance to others in the community to help them live with greater independence and dignity. 

An extension to the project for the elderly is under consideration in the Kibogora area which would hope to provide a more structured approach to the support of the group. This will hopefully include the provision of a care home for those who are infirm and have no shelter and offer assistance to others in the community to help them live with greater independence and dignity.