Elderly Welfare a Priority, Minister Urges
The minister spoke during a gathering in Chifira Village, where he spent New Year's Day with elderly residents of his Nkhata Bay South constituency.
NKHATA BAY, Malawi- Minister of Homeland Security Ken Zikhale Ng'oma called on Malawians to support initiatives promoting elderly welfare at a New Year's Day event in Nkhata Bay, writes Chisomo Kambandanga, MANA.
Ng'oma presented assorted items and K5,000 kwacha to each of 600 elderly constituents while urging individuals and businesses to address elderly challenges.
"Besides this charity initiative, government will also continue to mobilize food aid for those who are food insecure to ensure that no one dies of hunger," Ng'oma said.
The minister spoke during a gathering in Chifira Village, where he spent New Year's Day with elderly residents of his Nkhata Bay South constituency.
Ng'oma, who also represents the Malawi Congress Party in parliament, said the government is working to care for the elderly but more efforts are needed.
He noted the elderly often care for orphans and vulnerable children.
"There is need to redouble our efforts as individuals in addressing the challenges faced by this particular group in our society," Ng'oma said.
Eluby Kamanga, a 78-year-old woman from Traditional Authority Malengamzoma, thanked the minister for celebrating with the elderly, calling it a "very special year."
"We lack a lot of things in our daily lives and today, we are privileged to be given such surprises," she said.
The surprises included sugar, rice, soap, cooking oil, soya pieces and cash.
"We are very grateful for this," Kamanga said.