
For International Day of Older Persons, Unbound Editorial Director Loretta Shea Kline reflects on the importance of connecting the generations.
Observed every year on October 1, International Day of Older Persons encourages strengthening solidarity among generations and intergenerational partnerships. Elders sponsored through Unbound, like 73-year-old Faith in Kenya, are pursuing their dreams and inspiring younger generations.
The mother of five and grandmother of 12 enjoys her work making and repairing school sweaters and weaving traditional Kiondo baskets, which are made from natural materials and have been part of Kenyan culture for centuries.
“I hate being idle,” said Faith, who has participated in the Unbound sponsorship program for six years now. “You get sick when you just sit and do nothing. When I work, I feel my body is strengthened.”
Using support to meet needs and achieve goals
Unbound’s sponsorship program for elders provides resources to older adults through cash assistance and other support. Depending on the program’s location, elders may participate in group activities for socialization, share knowledge with the community, visit fellow sponsored elders who are ill or homebound, implement ideas to generate more income for their households and more.
To bolster her income, Faith used part of her sponsorship funds to replace a sewing machine that got stolen. She earns 400 to 500 Kenyan shillings, the equivalent of $4 to $5, for sweaters and 1,000 Kenyan shillings, about $10, for her baskets.
“I don’t sleep on an empty stomach when I sell even a single piece,” she said.
Faith has embraced the savings culture of Unbound’s Nairobi program, has used her funds wisely and can borrow when necessary. In addition to acquiring the sewing machine, she has used funds to help with food, rent, medical insurance, and home furnishings.
Embracing education as a path to opportunity
Widowed for 24 years, Faith has worked hard throughout her life to provide for her family and take care of herself.
“I used to farm in Ruiru and grow maize, beans and cassava for food, and I also used that to bring up my children until I could do no more because of age,” she said.
Faith was born in 1951 in an area called Gitambaya in the central part of Kenya. The colonial war, known as the Mau Mau rebellion, took place from 1952-60 when Kenya was a British colony, and it was the backdrop for Faith’s early years. She remembers working in the farm fields as a young child while her parents were away from home.
“My parents used to dig trenches during the colonial war,” she recalled. “It was a form of punishment.”
Faith wanted to be a teacher but only had the opportunity to study up to the fourth grade. She imagines her life “would have been so nice” had she been able to realize her childhood dream. Without education, young people can only find “menial jobs,” she said.
“During our time, getting to class seven would earn you a job,” she said. “Today, even for a high school graduate, getting a job is a challenge.”
Faith emphasizes education and a good work ethic with her grandchildren, and it’s something she models for her entire family.
“I tell them life is more challenging, and they have to work smart and hard,” she said. “Any job that comes their way, they should do it with passion.”
Forming partnerships between generations
In Pope Francis’ book Sharing the Wisdom of Time, to which Unbound sponsored elders contributed, the pope stressed the importance of older and younger generations connecting and inspiring each other.
Pope Francis wrote:
There should be an alliance between old and young people. This is the time when grandparents must dream so that the young can have visions. … Only if our grandparents have the courage to dream, and our young people imagine great things, will our society go on.
Faith expressed gratitude for the support of her sponsor, Dennis in Ohio, and said she prays for him in addition to corresponding with him through Unbound.
“If you told me he is coming [to Kenya], I would make one beautiful basket for him,” she said. “I would like him to know that he has helped me a lot, and I am grateful that God has enabled him to support the less privileged like me.”
For Faith and thousands of other elders, having the support of a caring person across the world gives them hope for the future and connects them to a compassionate community that encourages their dreams.
Learn more about partnering with an elder through Unbound.
Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.
Copyright 2024 Loretta Shea Kline for Unbound. Unbound’s regional reporter for Africa, Nickson Ateku, contributed information and photos for this story.
Images: copyright 2024 Unbound, all rights reserved.
About the Author

Unbound
Unbound is an international nonprofit founded by lay Catholics grounded in the Gospel call to put the needs of the marginalized and vulnerable first. We build relationships of mutual respect and support that bridge cultural, religious and economic divides. We bring people together to challenge poverty in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. We invite you to join us. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Comments