Today marks the observation of two important global days that are at the core of Optiven Groups transformational agenda. According to the United Nations Calendar, the 1st of October is the International Day of Older Persons, and has been observed since October 1, 1991. This year the day coincides with the World Habitat Day, that is observed every year on the first Monday of October throughout the world. It was officially designated by the United Nations and first celebrated in 1986. The purpose of the day is to reflect on the state of our cities and towns and the basic human right to adequate shelter. So for this year, the two days will be observed concurrently albeit with different expected outcomes.
The two days remain at the center of the Optiven Group agenda, through it’s soft arm, the Optiven Foundation. The company with a foot print in the real estate sector, has in the last few years invested heavy resources in making life better for the less fortunate centering on older persons. More specifically, the Optiven Group has given out residences for the forgotten older generations of Kakululo. To date, this remains unprecedented as well as transformational for the receipients of the houses. The chairman of the Foundation, Mr. George Wachiuri says, ‘The Optiven Foundation first ventured out to Mwingi South in Kitui County and made it possible to build houses for the forgotten senior citizens. The handover of the homes was made on the 7th February 2015 with beneficiaries having been those that were neglected, and abandoned with no proper shelter; food and no hope in life’.
The Optiven Foundation has partnered with different organizations both locally and abroad to better the lives of the older citizens but also the widows and orphans. In 2018, the Optiven Foundation partnered with the Nation Media Group who donated fundamentally to the Soweto Children’s Home in Kayole, as well as the Cometogether Widows and Orphans organization headed by Dianah Kamande and Shiloh Afrique Foundation, headed by Christine Muchene. Speaking in Atlanta Georgia in August 2018 following the signing with Shiloh Afrique Foundation, Ms. Muchene noted that, ‘the organization’s vision is involved in key philanthropic initiatives, including donation of wheel chairs among others.’ On their part, Ms. Kamande noted that ‘Come together widows and orphans organization has a big vision of social justice, happiness and prosperity of widows, survivors of gender violence and orphans in Kenya.’
And as the world celebrates the International Day of Older Persons, and the World Habitat Day, the Optiven Group through its foundation is keen to transform the lives of kenya’s older citizens through provision of decent housing. Already this has been done in Mwingi South, Kitui County and the momentum to reach out to other counties is growing. Wachiuri says, ‘We remain grateful to our partners and can only expand the space for further co-operation with other stakeholders, understanding that if we are to go fast – we could go alone, but if we are to go far, we must go with others.’ His sentiments are heralded by Mary Wacuka, a trustee of the foundation, who says ‘the homes cannot be done purely by the Optiven Foundation, that is why each and every person can support in one way or another to make the journey to transformation a success for the older citizens of Kenya’.
ABOUT THE OPTIVEN FOUNDATION
The Optiven Foundation is registered under societies rule 1968, it was registered on 30th May 2014. We work through donations and volunteer work. The founders have also authored books that all the proceeds from the sales goes directly to the foundation. The founders also give service to the community; this includes youth Motivation, business talks, advisory to investment groups for volunteer tokens. All these tokens are credited to the foundation in order to further the foundation goals and aspirations.
To be a part of the transformation, send your contribution of any amount to MPESA Paybill 898630.
For more information of the Optiven Foundation please call us on 0718 776033
