Caring for the elderly in Burma
There is a tradition, in Burma, of children caring for their elderly family members. But Burma’s limited social security system and changing family structures has resulted in many elderly people being abandoned. Some of them are lucky enough to end up in some aged care centre in the outskirts of Yangon. Most of these centres can take in about 10 to 20 residents only. But there are some centres that can take in larger numbers. Some of the aged care facilities will accept them if they meet certain criteria, laid down by the care facilities.
The Goodwill Association of Western Australia Inc. financially supports “Mother’s Love Aged Care Home” which is situated in Hlegu Township, 38 Kms north of Yangon. It is run by the Anglican Church of Myanmar and is recognised as a Class 1, Aged Care facility by the Department of Social Welfare. There are 18 residents at this aged care facility, and they are all in the twilight of their years. In Burma, not everyone past retirement age (60 years) gets a pension unless they have worked in the public sector. The high cost of living in the years gone by has been especially devasting to the retired and the elderly due to their meagre pensions. Some have family members, but as the family members themselves are struggling to make ends meet or have left the country has made life more difficult for them.
The funds provided are for basic food items and medication. The carers at Mother’s Love Aged Care do shower them with loving care and when one considers the small payment the carers receive, it is amazing. They consider caring for these ladies an honour. To them, it is the same as caring for their own mothers/grandmothers.
It is because of these aged care centres, and the love and care that they provide, that the residents tell you about the happiness they experience there. They have a roof over their heads and regular meals. Most of these places run on a shoestring budget and any help they receive is a bonus.
Educational support in Burma
Although basic education is officially free in Burma, many poor families do not have the means to provide their children with books, stationery, uniforms, and unexpected fees for their schooling. Therefore, they miss out on an education. Sr. Joanna, a Franciscan Nun takes care of orphans and destitute children from villages around Kyon Ta Loke, Myaungmya, in the Ayeyarwady region of Burma. The Goodwill Association provides financial assistance to cover basic food items and schooling needs.
The Goodwill Association has provided an opportunity for young people from villages, where Community Health Workers courses are run, to attend these training courses in basic health care.
These courses run by the Myanmar Catholic HIV/AIDS Network (MCHAN), started by Sr. Mary Grenough, a Mary Knoll Sister, who is a registered nurse with special training in maternal and childcare. These trainees are taught basic health care skills for non-serious illnesses, such as checking blood pressure, blood sugar, temperature, cleaning and dressing wounds, assisting snake bite victims, and referring sick patients to hospitals and clinics. Prenatal care is also provided by giving talks on nutrition, blood tests to check for anaemia, vitamin deficiencies, HIV, and others. These Community Health workers provide a good link between the villagers and the hospitals.
The Goodwill Association is privileged to play a part in providing these young people a learning opportunity and skills to help those in need.
Homelessness and its effects
Homelessness is often a result of several complex issues which can include:
- The chronic shortage of affordable and available rental housing
- Domestic and family violence
- Intergenerational poverty
- Financial crisis
- Long term unemployment
- Economic and social exclusion
- Severe overcrowding/housing crisis.
- Severe and persistent mental illness and psychological distress
- Exiting state care
- Exiting prison
Caring for the homeless & support groups in Australia
In Perth, we provide financial assistance to “The Shop Front” and “St Patrick’s Community Support Centre.”, two organisations that care for the homeless in Perth.
We have also provided groceries to organisations that prepare meals for the homeless, such as the Ellenbrook and Oldridge Community Meal Kitchen, Perth Homeless Support Group Inc., St. Patrick’s Community Support Centre, and The Shop Front.
We have also provided blankets, warm wear, socks, jocks, and other items for the Homeless.
“Helping the poor and needy”
Apart from helping the Homeless in Perth, the Goodwill Association also helps the poor and needy. Due to Covid-19, many have lost their source of income and have had to depend on welfare assistance from organisations such as St. Vincent de Paul.
We have provided groceries to the St. Vincent de Paul, Ballajura and Girrawheen Conferences, from time to time.
