From September 27 to 30, 2024, Kinshasa hosted the second meeting of the African platform of actors for ageing well in Africa, an important event that brought together associations from Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the support of Petits Frères des Pauvres – France.
The African continent is experiencing rapid ageing, accentuated by profound social changes such as the reduction in family size, migration and the changing role of women. Despite persistent stereotypes, more and more elderly people on the continent find themselves isolated. Every day, the associations present mobilize to remedy this reality. Their mission is immense, but public policies and infrastructures remain largely inadequate, if not non-existent.
Although these African associations are not members of the Fédération internationale des Petits Frères des Pauvres, they benefit from the active support of Petits Frères des Pauvres. The international team of the French association supports the development of actions and the structuring of the various associations that are members of the platform. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange practices, learn from each other and strengthen solidarity between the associations.
Meeting highlights
A number of training courses and presentations were given over the course of the four-day event. These included courses on caring for the elderly, running training courses for volunteers and communication. Practical workshops on grant-seeking and designing charity events were also on the agenda. A dedicated time was set aside for participants to present the progress they have made since the first meeting in June 2023.
Here is an overview of some of the initiatives launched by our partner associations:
OCADES (Burkina Faso) has developed training programs for volunteers and families of the elderly. The association has stepped up its awareness-raising and medical support initiatives. It has also organized several community meals and distributed food, supporting over 80 elderly people.
In Ivory Coast , the Fondation Internationale Bien vieillir en Afrique (FIBVA) has strengthened its teams of volunteers and launched home visit projects, reaching around 10 beneficiaries. The Assiette du Cœur program, which distributes meals on a daily basis, has so far reached around 50 people. A charity concert is planned for November, to raise awareness and funds for its actions.
In the DRC, the association Accompagnement et Assistance des Personnes Vulnérables (AEPV) in North Kivu, despite financial challenges and ongoing conflicts, has continued its program of home visits to 85 people, incorporating psychosocial and medical support. An innovative project involving the distribution of rabbits to encourage livestock farming among the elderly was also launched.
Finally, the Kinshasa-based association Amitié Séniors et Jeunes (ASJ) stepped up its efforts to combat the isolation of the elderly. In particular, the Congolese association organized community meals and intergenerational activities, while actively seeking funding to perpetuate its projects.
Challenges and a promising future
Despite significant progress in local actions, participants also highlighted certain persistent challenges, notably the lack of stable funding. However, regular exchanges between partners and the sharing of experiences were identified as positive factors for the development of each of the associations. Objectives for the coming year include dissemination of the collectively produced testimonial booklet, ongoing volunteer training and bi-monthly meetings. The next major annual meeting is already scheduled for 2025, with a view to strengthening cooperation between the African associations and Les Petits Frères des Pauvres – France.
