Bogale Bekele

My name is Bogale Bekele. I am 85 years old. I live with my wife in Adama town of Oromia regional state. I am a father of four. Three daughters and one son. Currently, all the children are married and live on their own. I was a teacher. I worked for over 45 years as a teacher starting from the emperor Haile Selassie era. It was a profession I liked the most. It has been 20 years since I retired. Most of the time I and my wife stay at home as I sometimes feel weakness in my legs. Retirement pension in Ethiopia is not much. It is not even enough to buy food with it. Additionally, my wife doesn’t have a pension wage as she was never employed in any organization. I never heard of anyone concerned of the elderlies like me until I came to know members of the Older Peoples Association. It since I met them that I started to socialize with people like me. Members of the OPA visit me regularly to support me. When COVID-19 hit, I and my wife were affected so desperately as food prices swiftly increased. However, these members of OPA visited me, they provided soap, hand sanitizer, and masks for me and my wife. Additionally, they brought me edible oil, sugar, and food. I felt like someone was watching over me. On the other hand, I received 2000 ETB for consecutive three months to cope with the increasing food price. I got the food and support I needed in my life. I am grateful for those people who are caring for me in such a way. They are now like a family to me. Last October I attended the International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) that was celebrated in Adama town. I learned that issues of older people like me is a concern nowadays. I am glad to see this happening in Ethiopia. I would like to say thank you to all who are helping to support the older people.