In the last six months the work done at the River Bridge Old People’s home has not only helped residents but also supported another 240 people in the community. There are 85 people living in the home including 19 orphans whose parents died of AIDS. Fazhimaro is one of nine disabled people residents. He is paralysed and cannot work. The healthier residents work so they can help pay their way, but there are always many medical and other expenses to be met.

Polino, another resident at the River Bridge home is very active in the Age UK piggery project. In January the home had 61 pigs. They have sold some to raise funds and to pay for labour needed to help in the fields which grow food crops. Some have also been used to help to feed the residents and now there are another 8 ready for market. Any money from the sale of these pigs will help buy provisions for the home and pay for health care. It will also help to pay wages for those who bring in firewood for the kitchen.

The residents at this home supported by Age UK also rear other livestock. The chickens are doing well and the project plans to build a bigger fowl run to boost production. The chickens will help to feed residents and they hope to have some to sell at market. Also, two of the seven cows are in calf and the residents look forward to calves which are due in a few months’ time. The cows also help older people to fetch water and provide milk for the residents’ tea.

At the moment the home really needs to find ways to fund the digging of a borehole. At the moment drinking water to be bought in and people have to travel a long way to fetch water for other purposes.

Please donate generously so that Age UK can help the River Bridge residents to lead healthy and productive lives.

• Various photos (DOC)