Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority, Charis Foundation Extend Support to Disabled and Elderly Communities
Machinga, Malawi-In an admirable effort to alleviate the challenges faced by disabled and elderly individuals, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority, in partnership with Joy Ability Empowerment and Charis Foundation, has distributed blankets to the disabled and elderly residents in the area of Traditional Authority Sitola, Machinga district, writes Zonkey Kaziyenda.
During the donation ceremony, Victoria Kachimera, the Executive Director of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority, expressed the institution's commitment to providing assistance to those facing daily hardships due to disability or old age.
Kachimera noted that many disabled and elderly individuals in the region lacked blankets, especially after their possessions were washed away by Cyclone Freddy. This dire situation put their lives at risk as they had to endure cold nights without proper covering.
Kachimera emphasized that, in addition to serving various institutions and companies, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority also feels a responsibility to extend support to communities grappling with various challenges, particularly vulnerable groups within the country.
She stated, "This is part of our corporate social responsibility, and as an institution, we will continue to provide further assistance to the elderly and disabled individuals with essential resources."
Looking ahead, Kachimera revealed that the institution's next budget would include provisions for the purchase of foodstuffs to be donated to disabled and elderly individuals, recognizing their need for nutritional support.
In response, Benardetter Vaz, the Director of Joy Ability Empowerment, pledged to persistently seek funding that could be directed toward supporting disabled and elderly individuals in the district.
Vaz expressed sadness at the sight of these vulnerable groups suffering due to a lack of support, despite the capacity to assist them in various ways.
Vaz highlighted that hunger was a pressing issue for many people with disabilities and the elderly, and they often felt hopeless.
She called on other well-wishers, organizations, and companies to come forward and contribute to alleviating their challenges.
One of the beneficiaries of this charitable endeavour, Dorica Kakoma Gomiwa, extended her gratitude to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority for the timely donation.
She noted that it arrived at a critical juncture when disabled and elderly people were grappling with numerous problems resulting from the loss of their possessions due to Cyclone Freddy.
Gomiwa further lamented that disabled and elderly individuals in the district were currently in dire need of food supplies.
Many were going to bed on empty stomachs, and they found it challenging to purchase maize due to financial constraints.
The joint efforts of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority, Joy Ability Empowerment, and Charis Foundation have provided crucial support to a vulnerable community, offering them not only warmth through blankets but also hope for a better future.