Foundation Steps In to Support Elderly Facing Neglect and Witchcraft Stigma in Ndola
By Respite Kaoma
The Maureen Bweupe Care Foundation has donated assorted food items worth over K25,000 to 75 elderly people in Ndola district, Copperbelt Province.
The items include 10kg bags of mealie meal, cooking oil, and salt.
The foundation, founded by Maureen Bweupe, an expatriate based in the United States, takes care of over 70 elderly people.
Beneficiaries appreciated the foundation’s efforts with Mike Chamba, an elderly person with a disability, saying life was unbearable before the intervention, as they used to roam the streets seeking alms, sometimes going home with just K1.
Speaking in an interview with Mafken news in Ndola, Foundation Coordinator Majory Musonda said the initiative aims to provide essential care and support to Zambia’s elderly population, making a meaningful impact in their lives.
Ms. Musonda said the goal is to support those struggling to meet their needs, appealing for donor support as the foundation operates on individual efforts.
She expressed sadness over the loss of two beneficiaries, reducing the number from 80 to 78, while during the donation, three among them did not manage as they were unwell.
Ms. Musonda also urged young people to stop linking old age to witchcraft and to care for the elderly. The foundation adopted 80 elderly people last year.
