EXPECTED OUTCOME AND CHALLENGES

“Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.” - Mother Teresa

Expected Outcome

The successful implementation of CHIROTA Project's objectives would have a positive impact, which could be expressed in terms of:

·         Fulfilling the basic needs of the elderly people will help them live in good health, with peace and without worry; 

·         Protecting them from begging reinforces their self-respect and self-esteem;

·         Strengthening family relationships as well as neighbors;

·         Keeping families together -no separation of orphans from their grandparents;

·         Supporting the efforts of humanitarian organizations and generous people of Ethiopia;

·         Helping the country’s economic growth. 

Challenges and Solutions

1. One expected critical challenge in implementing CHIROTA Project is finding cheap shelter for the homeless people. In this case we are planning to create village-based volunteers who provide housing; collaborate with communities and local governments to find housings.

2. The other major problems to which we have to give close attention is the health conditions of the elderly people. Most of them have serious health issues especially eye-sight problems. CHIROTA Project is willing to take them to the clinic or hospital but it is difficult to convince the elders, especially to see eye doctors due to unproven reasons.

3. Another dilemma is considering age as a determining factor. CHIROTA Pilot Project started with elders over 70 years old. However, looking at the underprivileged people, old age seems to start as early as 55 years old.  So we have not yet set any specific age as a determining factor.

4 The other problem is keeping their shelters clean due to accumulation of unnecessary stuff in their small houses which is also difficult convincing them to discard them out.

5. Recently, we are facing shortage of Volunteers due to moving far away from the Project area,  although some of them have continued their volunteering duties.

6. The other problem is the Beneficiaries moving far away.  It is happening due to their home being demolished for road construction and other development.  However, the Beneficiaries who are able to move around,  or their family members are coming once a month to get their food ingredients and pocket money. 

“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” - Mother Teresa