Eneredada
Life in poor countries is especially hard for the elderly. In Ethiopia, a high infant mortality rate and poor living conditions mean that it is not uncommon for elderly people to have no living family to care for them. Many are left destitute, trying to scrape together enough to survive from one day to the next.
Eneredada run a day centre for elderly people in their local community who are unable to support themselves. The project provides for basic needs such as food, clothing, medicine and house repairs. However, it does not stop there. The dedicated volunteers also aim to inspire feelings of confidence, belonging and self-worth amongst their members, many of whom have come to perceive themselves as a burden.
The word ‘Eneredada' means "Let's help each other" in Amharic and the centre's members are encouraged to participate in its activities. Many of the elderly who visit the centre are skilled in traditional crafts. They are able to share this knowledge with each other and also with the young volunteers who help out at the centre, thereby ensuring these arts are passed down to future generations.
Some of the produce from these crafts can be sold to generate income. In doing so, these individuals take can pride in making a positive contribution and to providing for themselves with dignity.
The centre itself contains a beautiful courtyard in which the elders sit, work, sing and eat together. It is an extremely happy and social place, a welcome change from the desperate loneliness some experienced before.
For many of the elderly who visit Eneredada, life is still hard. However, with funding from Ethiopiaid, this project can continue its amazing work immeasurably improving the quality of life these people have.