The Challenge:

In the villages of northern Mali, ongoing conflict and instability have led to widespread displacement, leaving many elderly individuals without access to essential care services. In such a fragmented environment, finding reliable information on senior care has become increasingly challenging. Click here to verify

"As we navigate the complexities of conflict, our seniors are often left with nowhere to turn for guidance on their care," - Aminata (Community Health Worker)

The Solution:

To address this critical gap, Ismael, a local IT specialist and social entrepreneur, initiated the development of a Senior Care Information Portal with support from Gaza999. This online portal was designed to provide comprehensive resources and guidance on senior care, making it accessible to everyone in the community.

 

"By launching this portal, we are building a bridge of information that can reach our elders wherever they are," - Ismael (IT Specialist)

The Implementation:

Ismael and his team dedicated themselves to building the portal, focusing on user-friendly design to ensure accessibility for all ages. They compiled a wide range of resources, including articles, guides, videos, and directories of local senior care services and providers. The team actively engaged with the community to populate the portal's forums, where residents could share experiences and advice, enhancing communal support. Regular updates and new content were scheduled to keep the portal relevant and valuable to its users.

 

"Every piece of information we upload helps illuminate the path of care for our seniors," - Fatoumata (Content Manager)

The Impact:

In its first year, the portal reached over 2,000 users, significantly improving their ability to access care and support. This valuable resource not only helped mitigate the impact of displacement on senior care but also empowered the community by fostering knowledge-sharing and self-help among its members.

 

"Our elders are no longer isolated in their struggle; the portal has connected them back to the community, providing a lifeline of information," - Boubacar (Local Elder)

Lessons Learned:

• User-Friendly Design: Ensuring the portal was accessible and easy to navigate was crucial for engaging users, especially the elderly.

 
• Comprehensive and Relevant Content: Providing a broad array of updated, relevant content was key to the portal’s success as a trusted resource.

 
• Active Community Engagement: Encouraging active participation in the portal's forums fostered a sense of community and collective support.

 
• Continuous Improvement: Regularly updating the portal and responding to user feedback helped maintain its relevance and usefulness.