The average life expectancy for men and women in Ethiopia is only 50 years, but for those who do live to old age life can be unbearably hard. Ethiopiaid works with the Destitute Elders Welfare and Development Association (DEWADA) to help improve the lives of impoverished elderly people who simply have nowhere else to turn.

Elderly person helped by DEWADA

Because of the country's high mortality rate, elderly Ethiopians often find themselves with no-one to care for them. These people are utterly alone and can feel totally helpless. Most are unable to save for their old age and many are left struggling to scrape together enough money to survive each day. Some have no other option than to beg on the streets.

DEWADA provides pensions to over 1000 elderly people in their district. Although the amounts may seem small by western standards, the pensions are enough to provide for every basic need. In addition to this, DEWADA also cover the pensioners' medical bills and give them an extra clothing allowance. This help is invaluable and for many it is the means by which they are saved from a life on the streets - something no-one should have to endure.

Elderly person helped by DEWADA

DEWADA wants to help put a stop to the desperate situation of the elderly and restore the dignity that these people deserve. Just £60 can provide an elderly person with a pension that will cover their needs for an entire year.