Homes for the aged in Arakan struggle amid declining donations

By Admin 13 Aug 2024

DMG Newsroom
13 August 2024, Sittwe

Homes for the aged in Arakan State are struggling as donations have declined after many residents fled ongoing fighting between Myanmar’s military regime and the Arakkha Army (AA).

Elder care facilities in Sittwe, Taungup, Kyaukphyu, Ramree and Manaung towns were previously supplied by donors who made monthly or long-term donations. But they have received little assistance since many residents fled the fighting.

U Saw Win, who is in charge of a home for the aged in the Arakan State capital Sittwe, said: “Now, we can only solicit donations from people who remain in Sittwe Town. But we receive few donations, and we have to spend from the [reserve] funds.”

His home for the aged in Sittwe takes care of 10 men and 30 women in their advanced ages. Surging prices mean monthly expenditures have increased commensurately, U Saw Win lamented.

Another home for the aged, Metta Waddy in Thandwe Town, is facing a similar situation and members are having to make contributions to continue to run the care centre, said chairman U Tin Lay.

“Donations have declined a lot since the fighting as many residents have fled. The amount of donations we receive these days can hardly cover monthly expenses. So, we members have to contribute as much as we can,” he said.

Metta Waddy cares for 46 elderly people and monthly budgeting has ballooned, he said.

U Saw Win urged Arakanese people elsewhere in the country and abroad to make donations so that they can continue to operate.