THE FOUNDATION
Emerald Foundation Uganda is a Christian, non-profit, non-governmental, charity organization in Uganda tackling isolation, loneliness, neglect, abuse, and poverty among vulnerable elderly people in the Teso sub-region of Uganda. Our care service currently extends to five out of the 11 districts in Teso, encompassing Soroti—where our headquarters are situated—as well as Kalaki, Amuria, Katakwi, and Serere. In each of these districts, we have dedicated resident coordinators who serve as our direct liaisons, and directly report to the team at the headquarters weekly. We have also established reliable and strong connections with community local council chairpersons, district governance structures, churches, and other grassroots organizations, and regularly partner with them in our various endeavors.
Older people, aged 65 years and above are our beneficiaries. In Teso sub-region, their population is approximately 12,000, and face profound challenges stemming from historical conflicts such as the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) war, the Uganda People’s Army (UPA) war, and cattle rustling. These conflicts have left deep emotional scars, as many have lost peers, loved ones, and properties. Previously, many elderly individuals in rural areas relied on the care of their grandchildren. However, with urbanization on the rise and younger generations migrating to urban areas, elderly people are left with little to no support at home. Consequently, both men and women experience loneliness, neglect, and poverty, lacking basic necessities such as food, clothing, and decent shelter. Many also endure various forms of abuse, including physical, financial, and even sexual abuse. These elderly people, are our target beneficiaries. From each of the districts of our current reach, we have identified, registered and are directly supporting at least 311 most vulnerable ones. However, this number represents only a portion of the elderly population in need within our target areas based on what we can currently afford to directly support within our resource means and capacity.
Our care and support for vulnerable elderly individuals, aimed at tackling isolation, loneliness, neglect, abuse, and poverty, is delivered through a three-tiered approach. This includes home-based care, group day-care, and residential facility care. This ensures that every elderly person receives the assistance they need, regardless of their circumstances. It also allows us to cater to their needs at every stage of aging and in locations convenient for them.
We have a home visit program where we follow beneficiaries to their homes, offering assistance with household chores such as laundry, compound cleaning, and shelter repairs to ensure a clean and comfortable living environment. We further deliver food items directly to their doorsteps for change of diet. We also use these opportunities to offer emotional and spiritual support through prayer fellowships, providing a space for reflection, solace, and gratitude. This home visit program is on-running weekly, and requires continuous support. Partner/support us with as little as a cloth, bedsheet, food item, or funds toward purchasing the same.
This is a communal program aimed at engaging the older persons in meaningful social, and economic activities to foster social cohesion, raise awareness of their needs, and advocate for their rights. Activities, including music festivals, tree planting campaigns, and health talks and clinics, offer opportunities for socialization, physical routines, and health education to alleviate loneliness, prevent depression, and improve their physical well-being. These activities run monthly and require support with transportation means, communication gadgets, venue rental, instruments, etc. Partner/support this program with funds toward meeting the costs.
This service has not yet commenced as we are currently in the process of raising funds to construct a care home for the elderly. This facility will offer spacious and comfortable living quarters, access to recreational activities, and opportunities for social interaction for residents’ comfort, support, and sense of belonging. It will be an an ideal home where each of our beneficiaries can live and receive care from our trained staff through a rotational program. Additionally, it will serve as a means for the foundation to raise funds by providing scheduled care for older persons whose loved ones may be unavailable due to time constraints or other commitments.