By Victoria Vrana | GlobalGiving CEO
Elders carry stories, wisdom, and resilience. But too often, their needs go unseen. This August, a project in the DRC is aiming to change that.
In cities like Bukavu and Goma, older adults face chronic illness, food insecurity, and limited access to care. These challenges are made even more difficult when you add the constant conflict and waves of displacement affecting these cities.
OBERVATOIRE DE LA GOUVERNACE ET DES DROITS HUMAINS EN RDC is determined to do things differently for the elderly people in their community. This Congolese-run and Bukavu-based nonprofit works to create inclusive, community-rooted programs that respond directly to older adults’ unique challenges.
They’ve established a dedicated telephone line where older people or their families can report urgent needs, such as health emergencies, abandonment, or abuse. This ensures timely help reaches those who need it most. Volunteers also make regular visits to isolated elders, offering emotional support, companionship, and practical help with daily tasks like shopping or simply lending a listening ear.
The expected result? A strong, intergenerational network of solidarity that breaks the isolation many older people face, promotes mutual aid across age groups, and ensures rapid intervention in emergencies.
This is what Cito Chibambo Ferdinand, project coordinator for the Obertory, wanted to share with you about this month’s grant:
“This generous donation will enable us to expand our outreach, provide essential services, and advocate more effectively for the rights of older people in the DRC. It will help us overcome key challenges such as limited access to healthcare and social support, while opening new opportunities for community education and policy engagement. We are truly grateful for this vital support.”
Through these efforts, the project not only improves immediate well-being but also strengthens the social fabric of communities, reminding everyone that caring for elders is a shared responsibility and a source of resilience.
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