The Forgotten Generation

"Giving hope to those who have nothing"

Over a year has past since the devastating Tsunami and 4Kali.org has reassessed the area to identify those people who are in need. During our reassessment, we discovered that the elderly generation has simply been ignored. Thousands of elderly people lost their relatives in the Tsunami; their sons, daughters, grandchildren and extended family members.  The older generation has been left with nothing except for the responsibility of providing for themselves and, in some cases, their grandchildren.  This troublesome responsibility has left them vulnerable and poverty stricken.

 History

In Thai culture the younger generations provide for their older relatives. This is a mark of respect between family members; a trait that is very prevalent within the society.  While the elderly receive financial support from younger family members, they in turn care for their grandchildren.
 
Sadly when the Tsunami struck the shores of Thailand and the Indian Ocean, many of the elderly were left “orphaned” by the sole providers of the family.  They not only lost their material belongings and homes, but sadly their children and even grandchildren.  While relief efforts                           
are being focused on children and young adults, the older generation has often been overlooked.

Report 

These elderly people do not have the means of earning a living; in many cases they are simply too frail for employment.  If they are employable, they may make a meager income of 10-50 baht selling banana leaves, picking fruit, working on rubber tree plantations or for the family fishing business.
Truly their financial and living options are inadequate.  There are no elderly homes in the immediate area and there are very limited places for rehabilitation.  Also, no pension schemes are available, leaving them with no financial stability.
 
4Kali.org has researched the possible ways of helping the elderly and has established that the only way is through financial support.  Research into aid
in the area has sadly revealed that no other agencies are focusing on this cause.