Leribe, June 16 — With the purpose of showing care to older persons, Help Lesotho on Monday commemorated World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Celebration at Pitseng, London in Leribe.
The event was attended by both grandfathers and grandmothers from different villages around Pitseng.
The theme surrounding the event was, ‘Beyond awareness: Making Elder Abuse Prevention Work.’
Addressing the elders, Help Lesotho Programmes Director, Mr. Sello Matsoso said it is the responsibility of every person to care for the older persons by standing against abuse of any kind.
He said the elders still face discrimination in their own families, in their respective villages and to the communities at large.
“It is all our responsibility to make sure this comes to an end and create a safe environment for our elders,” he stated.
Talking to the elders, Mr. Matsoso highlighted that the elders are the treasure of the nation as they raise children and offer guidance in overcoming life’s challenges to the young generation.
As a result, he said the elders need to be respected, protected and cared for at all times.
However, the programmes Director said it is a pity that the elders are still abused emotionally, physically and financially either by their families or communities.
Again while they are not given an opportunity to air their views on regard to matters affecting them.
Referring to youth, he said youth should pay visits to the elders, learn from them and assist them on their day to day duties.
“The respect you show to them is the respect you will get when you grow up,” he stated.
Mr. Matsoso appealed to the government, organisations, churches and community elders to continue strengthening the programmes adhered to the elders rights, take their concerns into consideration and find solutions towards them.
Speaking at the same event, Help Lesotho Psychosocial Support Officer, Ms. Felleng Lethola said Lesotho started commemorating the day in 2022.
She said the theme indicates that our actions have to indicate protection towards the elders.
Referring to the purple colour used for the celebration, it means the elders need to be respected as they have accomplished much in life.
Speaking of behalf of Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) Pitseng, Mrs. ‘Matumelo Maqokela said through the drama played by the elders, LMPS is aware of the challenges the elders face on regard to their pension, citing that their money is stolen by thieves or their grandchildren.
She said the elders do not know how to use Mpesa or Ecocash services thus putting them at risk of being attacked by thieves.
Mrs. Maqokela said LMPS is aware that the elders are reluctant to report the cases or rather they withdraw cases especially if they involve their grandchildren.
Speaking on behalf of the elders, Mrs. Mataoana Masheoane expressed her gratitude to Help Lesotho for caring for the elders since it was established.
She said they have benefited much, whereby they are given food twice a year to feed their families, especially the orphans.
Mrs. Masheoane said the elders appreciate the day and feel loved because of the event.
The event was graced by mokhibo, ndlamo and dramas.
Help Lesotho was established in 2004. It is based at Hlotse and Pitseng in the Leribe district.
Ends/KC/tl
