[This report does not necessarily reflect
the views of the United Nations]
BRAZZAVILLE, 6 Jul 2005 (IRIN) -
The resident representative of the UN Development Programme signed a nine-million-franc
CFA (US $16,370) agreement on Wednesday with the representative of a Roman
Catholic order in the Republic of Congo (ROC) to expand shelter and care
for senior citizens.
The money will be used to expand a home called Ma Maison (My House), run by a Roman Catholic order called the congrégation des Petites sœurs catholiques, to cater for 100 senior citizens.
"Our mission is centered on the respect and the dignity of the old and poor people," Sister Fatima Emmanuel, the director of Ma Maison, said.
The minister for social affairs, humanitarian action and the family, Emilienne Raoul, said she was saddened and alarmed by the plight of senior citizens in the country. "They are confronted with health problems as well as a lack of adequate care and financial support," she said.
With a population of three million, Brazzaville has two other homes for the aged.
[ENDS]
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