Introduce a Pension Scheme for Elderly People and Allowances for their Grandchildren

Elderly people without any savings are dependent on the support of their children. Because of HIV/AIDS and migration, this ‘safety net’ in Nshamba has been destroyed. The elderly survive on the income they can generate from their fields or as day labourers. As they have to take care of their grandchildren their living conditions worsen when the fields and their physical power no longer meet their needs. Therefore, Kwa Wazee supported 1 115 vulnerable elderly by paying them a small pension of about USD 8 a month, and an additional benefit of USD 4 per child to those taking care of their grandchildren. 607 grandchildren were living with their grandparents. This pension allows the elderly to purchase essentials such as oil, salt, soap and matchsticks and pay school fees or buy school materials for their grandchildren.