Observed every year on Oct. 1, International Day of Older Persons encourages strengthening solidarity among generations and intergenerational partnerships. Unbound’s sponsorship program also promotes solidarity and partnering with elders.
Sponsored elders like 73-year-old Faith in Kenya are pursuing their dreams and inspiring younger generations.
The mother of five and grandmother of 12 enjoys her work making and repairing sweaters and weaving traditional Kiondo baskets, which are made from natural materials and have been part of Kenyan culture for centuries.
“I hate being idle,” said Faith, who has participated in the sponsorship program for six years now. “You get sick when you just sit and do nothing. When I work, I feel my body is strengthened.”
September 18, 2024 | Elder Sponsorship
Connecting the generations
Elder pursues goals and shares knowledge, wisdom with her grandchildren and others
By Loretta Shea Kline

Faith is pictured next to the sewing machine she acquired with support from Unbound. The sweaters she makes and repairs help her earn income to cover her daily needs.
Using support to meet needs and achieve goals
Unbound’s sponsorship program for elders provides resources to older adults through cash assistance and other support. Depending on the program’s location, elders may participate in group activities for socialization, share knowledge with sponsored youth and mothers groups, visit fellow sponsored elders who are ill or homebound, implement ideas to generate more income for their households and more.
To bolster her income, Faith used part of her sponsorship funds to replace a sewing machine that got stolen. She earns 400 to 500 Kenyan shillings, the equivalent of $4 to $5, for sweaters and 1,000 Kenyan shillings, about $10, for her baskets.
“I don’t sleep on an empty stomach when I sell even a single piece,” she said.
Faith has embraced the savings culture of Unbound’s Nairobi program, has used her funds wisely and can borrow when necessary. In addition to acquiring the sewing machine, she has used her funds to help with food, rent, medical insurance and home furnishings.

Faith holds up samples of the school sweaters she makes and repairs to earn income. She enjoys sewing and encourages her grandchildren to have a strong work ethic and value education.
Embracing education as a path to opportunity
Widowed for 24 years, Faith has worked hard throughout her life to provide for her family and take care of herself.
“I used to farm in Ruiru and grow maize, beans and cassava for food, and I also used that to bring up my children until I could do no more because of age,” she said.
Faith was born in 1951 in an area called Gitambaya in the central part of Kenya. The colonial war, known as the Mau Mau rebellion, took place from 1952-60 when Kenya was a British colony, and it was the backdrop for Faith’s early years. She remembers working in the farm fields as a young child while her parents were away from home.
“My parents used to dig trenches during the colonial war,” she recalled. “It was a form of punishment.”
Faith wanted to be a teacher but only had the opportunity to study up to the fourth grade. She imagines her life “would have been so nice” had she been able to realize her childhood dream. Without education, young people can only find “menial jobs,” she said.
“During our time, getting to class seven would earn you a job,” she said. “Today, even for a high school graduate, getting a job is a challenge.”
Faith emphasizes education and a good work ethic with her grandchildren.
“I tell them life is more challenging, and they have to work smart and hard,” she said. “Any job that comes their way, they should do it with passion.”

Faith (center) poses with daughter Leah (left) and daughter-in-law Sharon. The younger women were supporting Faith after she had dental surgery.
Forming partnerships between generations
In Pope Francis’ book “Sharing the Wisdom of Time,” to which Unbound sponsored elders contributed, the pope stressed the importance of older and younger generations connecting and inspiring each other.
“There should be an alliance between old and young people,” Pope Francis wrote. “This is the time when grandparents must dream so that the young can have visions. … Only if our grandparents have the courage to dream, and our young people imagine great things, will our society go on.”
Faith expressed gratitude for the support of her sponsor, Dennis in Ohio, and said she prays for him in addition to corresponding with him through Unbound.
“If you told me he is coming [to Kenya], I would make one beautiful basket for him,” she said. “I would like him to know that he has helped me a lot, and I am grateful that God has enabled him to support the less privileged like me.”
For Faith and thousands of other elders, having the support of a sponsor gives them hope for the future and connects them to a caring community that encourages their dreams.
Learn more about partnering with an elder through Unbound.
I tell them life is more challenging, and they have to work smart and hard. Any job that comes their way, they should do it with passion.
— Faith, Sponsored elder in Kenya
Unbound’s regional reporter for Africa, Nickson Ateku, contributed information and photos for this story.