The Challenge:
Imagine the rugged and remote landscapes of the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh, where villagers frequently face the wrath of landslides and flooding. These natural disasters exacerbate the isolation of the elderly, who often find themselves cut off from essential services and community interaction. Click here to verify
"In our hills, the rains not only wash away the soil but also the means to care for our most vulnerable," - Rahim (Local Villager)
The Solution:
Amidst these challenges, Kamala, a village leader, was introduced to Gaza999’s initiative for Senior Care Neighborhood Networks. Inspired by the vision of a community-driven support system, she saw an opportunity to strengthen the fabric of elder care in her community.
"Establishing the network felt like weaving a new safety net, thread by thread, with our own hands," - Kamala (Village Leader)
The Implementation:
Kamala began by selecting and training enthusiastic neighborhood coordinators who were deeply rooted in the community. These coordinators were instrumental in recruiting volunteers, fostering a culture of care and responsibility towards the elderly.
A comprehensive neighborhood mapping was conducted to identify all elderly residents, ensuring no one was overlooked. Volunteers were organized into teams, tasked with regular check-ins and resource sharing—everything from groceries to medications was shared within this tightly-knit network.
Emergency response plans were tailored to the unique challenges of the terrain and the nature of potential disasters, ensuring swift action could be taken when needed.
"Seeing our youth and adults come together to support our elders has infused new energy into our village," - Anowara (Neighborhood Coordinator)
The Impact:
The Senior Care Neighborhood Networks transformed how elder care was perceived and delivered in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The initiative connected over 200 elderly residents with regular support, significantly reducing their feelings of isolation. The networks also prepared the community better for emergencies, creating a resilient framework for elder care even in challenging conditions.
"The network isn’t just about aid; it’s about connection. It’s given our elders a renewed sense of belonging," - Bijoy (Volunteer)
Lessons Learned:
• Community-Led Initiatives: The success of the networks underscored the power of community-led initiatives, particularly in regions with limited access to formal services.
• Regular Training and Engagement: Ongoing training and engagement of volunteers were crucial in maintaining the effectiveness and responsiveness of the networks.
• Local Customization: Adapting the networks to fit the local context and needs was key to their acceptance and sustainability.
• Emergency Preparedness: Developing and rehearsing emergency response plans tailored to local risks ensured that the community could respond effectively in crisis situations.
