More than 100 neighbours gathered in Shonda, Likoni, not to watch a crisis unfold, but to change the story of two elderly men who had been living in an abandoned house with little hope of a dignified tomorrow. In a powerful moment, ManMan—an elderly blind man aged 80+—joined the Friends-Raiser in song and dance, expressing gratitude to the neighbours who had stood by him. It was a simple but profound reminder: sometimes, restoring dignity begins when a community decides that no one should be forgotten.
ManMan is not his real name; it is the name he is commonly known by in the community and is used here to protect his identity and dignity.
ManMan and Andrew, aged 60+ and incapacitated following an accident, had been living in extremely difficult conditions and were reportedly abandoned by their families. A few neighbours had been quietly supporting them with food, medication and regular check-ins before reaching out for wider support.
Al-Ihsaan Foundation joined the community alongside Manyatta Africa, Umoja CBO Fighting for Poverty, Sultan Empire and other stakeholders, taking a catalytic approach—supporting and strengthening what the community had already started rather than taking over.
Through the collective effort, Andrew was admitted to Coast General Referral Hospital, while the community mobilised a Friends-Raiser to renovate their shelter.
But Shonda is only one story in a much larger pool of elderly people living in vulnerability, isolation and indignity.
With greater resources, Al-Ihsaan Foundation envisions working with communities to establish elderly safe spaces—places equipped with essential needs where vulnerable older persons can live safely, connect, receive support and age with dignity.
This is the Al-Ihsaan approach: listen to communities, connect stakeholders, catalyse local action and help communities lead their own change.
The transformation in Shonda has begun. The need, however, is much greater.
Communities have the compassion. With the right partners and resources, together we can turn that compassion into lasting systems of dignity.
