Seniors Program: Fostering Well-being and Inclusivity

We are deeply committed to enhancing the well-being and inclusivity of our esteemed senior community through our Seniors Program. Senior isolation is a pressing concern, and we have launched this dedicated initiative to ensure our seniors thrive in an environment that fosters connection, engagement, and a strong sense of belonging.

Artistic Expression and Unity:

Our Seniors Program took root with engaging art classes that serve as a platform for self-expression and creativity. Beyond the strokes of a brush or the crafting of art, these classes aim to cultivate unity among our cherished seniors. The success of these classes was just the beginning.

Bridge Generations Through Storytelling:

We expanded our offerings to include captivating senior events that bridge generational divides. Our events provide a stage for seniors to share their life experiences through storytelling, fostering connections, and mutual understanding among attendees of all ages.

Physical and Mental Engagement:

We remain dedicated to ensuring our seniors stay both physically and mentally engaged. Our weekly activities are thoughtfully designed to invigorate both body and spirit, ensuring that our seniors maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle.

Bridging Generations Through Mentorship:

Our senior mentorship program bridges the generational gap, creating an environment where seniors and vibrant Swahili-speaking youth can connect, learn from one another, and deepen their collective understanding of cultural heritage.

A Lifeline Against Isolation:

The need to continue and expand this project is rooted in our firm belief that seniors require support to remain physically active, engaged in the community, and to avoid isolation. Far too often, seniors find themselves alone, with limited interaction with others.

Swahili Arts Together for Seniors (SATS):

As an integral part of our Seniors Program, SATS supports older people in making and maintaining friendships, staying active, and participating in activities of interest to them, thereby eliminating the risk of experiencing social isolation.

Regular sessions are held in accessible, comfortable, and safe venues, ensuring that seniors can easily partake in the diverse range of activities offered. Swahili culture activities are organized based on the interests and abilities of the participants, creating opportunities to socialize and strengthen skills needed for daily living, ultimately maintaining their confidence, independence, and enjoyment of life.

The activities provided through SATS include Swahili stories, table games, quizzes, craft sessions, informative sessions, guest speakers, day outings, cafe lunches, birthday and celebration events (including festivals and religious days), intergenerational programs, cooking Swahili food, enjoying Swahili music through singing and dancing, and gentle exercise. This comprehensive array of activities ensures that our seniors not only remain engaged but also continue to experience the richness of Swahili culture in a vibrant and inclusive community setting.

At SVIA, we are committed to ensuring that our seniors do not experience the journey of life alone. We believe that everyone, regardless of age, deserves a strong sense of community and connection, and our Seniors Program is dedicated to making this a reality.