Ngota Foundation To Rescue Neglected Elderly People In Cameroon
“After retirement, at 65, my father went to the village and was staying almost alone. His old age started bringing in some health complications. Unfortunately, not everyone in the village has access to medical care. After coming to Douala for some medical checkup, the neurologist told me to expect certain changes from my father due to his age. From the scan, his brain was already shrinking which is normal, he was already developing dementia and partial loss of memory. He refused to remain in town and decided to go back to the village while continuing with his medication. One day, I just got a call that my father left for the farm and to date, we do not know his whereabouts. It’s 8 years already, we still do not know where he is despite our search. I regret leaving him to himself.” Mr Ngota Lawrence explained to CNA in an exclusive interview.
This personal experience has been his driving forces, never to allow elderly people wonder around alone!
According to the World Health Organization, Elder abuse and abandonment is an important public health problem. A 2017 study based on the best available evidence from 52 studies in 28 countries from diverse regions, including 12 low- and middle-income countries, estimated that, over the past year, 15.7% of people aged 60 years and older were subjected to some form of abuse
This is likely to be an underestimation, as only 1 in 24 cases of elder abuse is reported, in part because older people are often afraid to report cases of abuse to family, friends, or to the authorities. Consequently, any prevalence rates are likely to be underestimated.
The poor situation of aged persons in Cameroon
Old age in Cameroon is at times seen as a taboo, burden and inconvenience. Many youths have abandoned their old parents who are already suffering from ailments that come with age.
It is common to see a 70 year old mentally unstable man or woman abandoned by the whole village and even her children in the name of witchcraft and when he/she dies, the funeral becomes a party ground to celebrate the deceased.
Some are left to cater for themselves since all children are out there hustling.
Most of them get ill due to age. Some suffer from memory loss, weak bones, poor eye sight, hearing problems etc.
Others a tagged witches and wizards and the cause of all misfortune befalling their children.
Many elderly persons do not have food to eat and drink because there is no one to cater for them. Even a call from their children to check on them is hard to come by.
All these lead to depression, loneliness and the only thing on their mind is to die fast and forget about their suffering.
Mr. Ngota, is one of those sons who regrets the loss of his father since 8 years ago. The circumstances under which his father got lost have prompted him to start a foundation.
Finally, someone brings a solution
Seeing many elderly persons go through same situations in the society, Lawrence Ngota, an aviation security personnel at the Douala International Airport together with other interested persons decided to create the Ngota Foundation for the Aged (NFA) to raise awareness on the importance of giving more attention to the elderly.
The legally binding, Ngota Foundation for the Aged (NFA) which was launched on April 4, 2021 at the Buea Town Youth Empowerment Centre is among the first in Cameroon to focus on bettering the lives of the old who are always abandoned.
Though bearing his family name, Mr Laurence Ngota, the president of the Foundation has explained it is not a family thing as anyone who feels touched to contribute to the lives of the aged is encouraged to join them.
Many at the launching ceremony and officials involved in the registration process of NFA have appreciated the Foundation’s mission to advocate, sensitize and care for persons with all types of health challenges that come with ageing. (E.g. Hypertension, diabetes, Parkinson disease, dementia, accusation of witchcraft etc). They confessed they have never seen an initiative like this and vouched to give their support to make the initiative grow.
Objectives of Ngota Foundation for the Aged
1. To create awareness about psychosocial changes that come with ageing in society
2. Provide a platform for elderly care and love.
3. To advocate for the rights of people suffering from all types of aged related abnormalities and abandoned by society.
4. To provide basic care (health consultations, basic drugs, follow up, basic necessities etc.) to the ageing and abandoned.
5. To partner with other Organizations engaged in social care for the abandoned
Long and short term goals of Ngota Foundation for the Aged (NFA)
The main goal of Ngota Foundation is to give care to the aged by doing outreach programs. This will comprise sensitization programs to educative the public on ways of caring for the aged. Moreover, the foundation from contribution from members, will intervene in cases of abandonment.
“For the long term, we plan to make a home for these elderly persons where they will live, be catered for and feel loved. We would love to build recreational facilities for them where they can meet with researcher and children and tell those stories about their experiences” Mr Ngota told CNA
How to be part of this philanthropic initiative
Since NFA is not a family affair, it is open to everyone who has the passion to help the old. So, persons can either become members or sponsors of the activities of the foundation. Since it is a no for profit organization, those who become members should expect any form of compensation since it is a free will exercise.
Those who decide members will pay a yearly registration fee of 5.000 FRS and an annual contribution of 10.000 FRS. The maximum number of members stands at 50 now.
Mr Ngota has confirmed to CNA the foundation is strict on matters of accountability and as sponsors’ donations will be accounted for to the last franc. In fact, the government at the time of registration had promised to do auditing for the foundation in the months ahead.
How to get to Ngota Foundation for the Aged.
You can write to the foundation via thengotafoundation@gmail.com
Follow their Facebook page: Ngota foundation for the Aged
Or call/WhatsApp +237654565438/ +237696714042
Conclusion
The real prophets in your life are your parents. Even the bible says to obey your parents and your days on earth shall belong. Take care of these old people while they are alive. Don’t neglect them while they are alive and throw parties when they die.
