Africa-Press – Liberia. Elderly beneficiaries, family members and officials of WLI
As Liberia celebrates its 178th Independence Anniversary, several members of the ageing population have voiced out a growing social concern faced by them.
The elderly, 35 in number, gathered not just to receive gifts on Thursday, July 24, but to share their stories of neglect, poverty, and in some cases, abuse.
The gathering was organized by the faith-based group, Word of Life International, Inc. (WLI) as part of its Ageing Project Awareness initiative, is now marking nearly two decades of outreach to aging citizens.
Held at WLI’s headquarters in Paynesville, the event offered more than rice, lappers, and cash, but also offered visibility and a voice to those often overlooked.
WLI’s Ageing Project Focal Person, Ms. Rebecca K.G. Nyamndo, emphasized that many elderly Liberians face harsh conditions, including being falsely accused of witchcraft and shunned by their communities.
“It’s heartbreaking. Some of the stories we hear from these senior citizens are unimaginable. Some are sleeping on bare floors, some go days without a meal, and others face violence in their own homes.”
Ms. Nyamndo called for urgent action from government institutions and international partners, urging them to work with WLI to establish safe homes and social protections for the elderly.
In a deeply emotional speech, Mr. Aloysius Topka, speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked WLI for not just providing material assistance, but for treating them as human beings worthy of respect and compassion.
“You have remembered us when others pretend we don’t exist,” he said.
Rev. Anderson Vanwen, delivering the keynote address, underscored the moral responsibility of society and the Church to care for the aged. “It’s not enough to build schools and hospitals if we forget our elders,” he declared. “We are called to give, not out of pity, but out of love.”
Founded in 2006, WLI’s Ageing Project aims to tackle elder abuse, neglect, and poverty. It operates across five communities in Montserrado County and has recently expanded its services to include support for persons living with disabilities.
The organization’s efforts are made possible through the leadership and funding of its U.S.-based CEO, Dr. Sam Ndorleh, whose commitment to the elderly has been central to the project’s growth.
According to the Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS), Liberia is home to approximately 2.8 million people aged 65 or older. Yet, advocates say policies and protections for the elderly remain inadequate.
While Thursday’s event celebrated the generosity of a faith-based organization, it also served as a powerful indictment of a society that has yet to fully embrace its responsibility to its aging population.
“We’re doing what we can,” Ms. Nyamndo said. “But it’s time for this country to do more.”
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