The Ba Senior Citizens Day Care Centre celebrated its Silver Jubilee with a gathering of 160 participants in Yalalevu, Ba. The event was graced by Independent Opposition MP Parveen Bala Kumar, who commended the founders of the centre for their visionary efforts over the past 25 years. During his speech, he emphasized the importance of how a nation treats its elderly, stating that there are significant challenges still facing many seniors, particularly those living in poverty.
Kumar urged the Ba community to increase their involvement with the centre, and called on the government to enhance funding support to ensure the smooth operation of the facility. “It’s vital for the government to provide timely grants for the centre’s continued operation,” he noted.
Arun Sharma, the chairman of the centre, shared insights into the challenges affecting its functioning and its ambition to expand services from a day care to a full-time facility to better assist the elderly population. He pointed out the ongoing issues of delayed government funding, which often hinders their ability to hire qualified staff and manage operations effectively. “Despite these hurdles, we have proven self-reliance by constructing our own furniture and kitchens,” he remarked, highlighting the centre’s resourcefulness amidst limited support.
The sentiments expressed during the jubilee resonate with broader challenges faced by elderly care facilities in the region, as seen in similar community efforts aimed at uplifting seniors. For example, the growing number of elder recreational events and volunteer initiatives across Fiji reflects a collective commitment among communities to combat isolation and improve the quality of life for seniors.
Hope remains as communities rally together to find solutions and share resources, showcasing the transformative power of collective action. Events focusing on recreation and health not only ease feelings of loneliness among the elderly but foster a sense of belonging, enabling them to actively engage with their surroundings.
By addressing the operational challenges faced by institutions like the Ba Senior Citizens Day Care Centre, there is potential for enhancements in care, showcasing a positive movement toward a more compassionate society that values its older citizens.
Leave a comment