The celebration of International Day of Elders 2024 – October 1, 2024

The celebration of International day of Elders 2024 was held at SIAC Gikomero on the 1st of October 2024, in Ntenderi village, Mbiriri Cell, Nyarusange sector,  Muhanga District, Southern Province in Rwanda.   This event gathered together 350 people to discuss some of the opportunities of being old and challenges that elders face every day, and how to solve and handle them.  Elders were celebrated for a variety of their different achievements too.

The Guest of Honour for this event was the Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs in the Muhanga District- Mr. Mugabo Gilbert. He was accompanied by the Director of Social Development Unity – Mrs. Uwampeta Charlotte and  Mrs. Uwineza Solange who works in the same unit.  Other special guests included the Executive Secretary of Nyarusange Sector Mr. Ndayisaba Aimable, Mr  Hakizimana  Alexis,  staff in charge of  Social Affairs in the Nyarusange sector  and  Mrs  Ayinkamiye Vestine , Acting Executive Secretary of Mbiriri Cell.

From left to right: Mrs.  Uwimpeta Charlotte, Direct of Social and Development Unity,  Muhanga District, Mr Mugabe Gilbert   Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs,   Executive secretary of Nyarusange sector Mr. Ndayisaba Aimable ,  Executive secretary of SIAC, Rev Nyiransengimana Immaculée, Hakizimana  Alexis, staff in charge of  Social Affairs in Nyarusange sector  and  Mrs. Uwineza Solange staff  in Social  Development  Unity in Muhanga  district.

After a welcome word done by the Executive Secretary of Nyarusange Sector;  the elders heard a variety of different presentations from  the above  leaders.

The  Executive Secretary of SIAC, Rev Nyiransengimana Immaculée reminded all of the challenges that elders face and different ways to respond to them.  Among challenges that were highlighted were loneliness,   poverty, poor health, illiteracy, limited access to information, and the heavy responsibility of being careers specifically for vulnerable children. During her presentation the Executive Secretary of SIAC, gave an opportunity for an old lady from SIAC to share her testimony about how she is still productive at an old age.

Mukamurigo Leoncie  was born in 1950. She has 5 children including her son who is 48 years old, divorced and living with her. Her other children are married and live with their families.  Leoncie was a beautiful black lady. Unfortunately in 2002, she was affected by a skin sickness. Her skin changed completely.   She started to develop incapability of doing heavy activities like cultivating crops and carrying heavy things.  At this time, it was very difficult for her to get any income.  She also felt a lot of  stigma due to her skin. She became isolated and very poor. One of her childhood friend who is member of SIAC, Mrs. Mukaminani Marceline informed her about SIAC. She encouraged her to come and join with other elders. Leoncie came and joined the knitting club. She now knows how to make smart sweaters and teaches others to do the same. Her club mates now call her “teacher”. She is well integrated and makes money by selling her sweaters. Leoncie is a testament as even with her disability she can survive and be an active SIAC group member.

The  Director of District Social and Development Unity spoke about available services provided by the government to elders including direct support, one cow per family program,  ubudehe  and so on.

The  representative of elders  Mr  Mutarambirwa  Athanase  expressed some needs that elders have  including  having elders ‘ representatives  from the village to National level,  increasing the number of elders who get direct support, and the need to have medical staff with geriatric specialisation among others.

The Guest of Honour thanked SIAC for the important services that it offers to elders.  He encouraged young people to save from Ejo Heza for old age.  He addressed sincere gratitude to elders for their continuous contribution to their families and communities. He noted that even when the elders might not have enough physical strength left that they still had experiences to share.  

During this event, an old man- Rusanganwa  Jean Pierre received a cow from the Nyarusange sector and Muhanga District to support him. The event was closed by  a social fellowship  and the sharing  of a Fanta soft drink.

Mr. Rusanganwa Jean Pierre receiving his cow from Nyarusange sector in collaboration with the Muhanga District

Elders’ sharing fellowship together with the guests

Lesson learnt

1.  Elders need different events to gather together and to facilitate fellowship.

2.  International Day of Elders gave them an opportunity to show their strengthens and acknowledge the challenges that they face.

3.  Elders can contribute in coming up with solutions to address some of their challenges.

4.  Many organisations need to be mobilised to work with elders and their families.