Kasungu elderly get much-needed support

Sixteen elderly households in Kasungu District have received a timely boost after a donation brought relief to some of the daily struggles they face in meeting basic needs.

The beneficiaries, from Chambala Village, received assorted relief items on Friday through a donation by female prison officers from Kasungu Prison under Kasungu Prison Women Network, who organised the initiative to support vulnerable elderly people in the community.

Inspector Zione Katapa, who leads the network, said the officers organised the donation to help address some of the challenges affecting older people, including shortages of food, soap and salt.

Kasungu Prison female officers

Katapa said the initiative also sought to show love and support to elderly people who continue to face various forms of abuse, including being accused of practising witchcraft.

“We also wanted to show them that they are valued despite the difficulties they are experiencing,” she said.

Senior Group Village Head Chambala thanked the prison officers for the assistance, saying it has come at the right time for the beneficiaries.

One of the recipients, Elizabeth Gondwe, said she has been facing many challenges and believed the donation would help ease some of the burden.

The 16 beneficiary households received assorted items including sugar, salt, soya pieces, cooking oil and clothes.