Paul Kamau Gakinya
Paul is 75, from Kenya and takes care of many orphans. He has been talking to older people in Europe about his life and why campaigning for older people's rights is important.
Older activists in the Czech Republic, Slovenia and the Netherlands have watched his videos and recorded their own video messages with questions for him. You can join in the conversation too by commenting below and we'll make sure Paul gets your messages.
Read more about Paul below
Name: Paul Kamau Gakinya
Date of birth: 1939
Lives: Karinde, Kenya
Background: I was born in Kajiado Township within Ngong Division into a family of 10 siblings.
Education: In my younger days I joined a seminary hoping to become a priest. But later discovered it was not my calling. So I left the seminary and never looked back.
Family: I am married to Mary Wangui. We have 10 children: six daughters and four sons. One daughter died.
Career: I was employed from 1964 until 1999 at Aga Khan Hospital as an office assistance getting a pay of Kshs 215.00. Later I was promoted to the pharmacy deptartment at a pay of Kshs 5,600.00 until retirement in 1999.
Current situation: We live with six grandchildren aged seven to 20. Our house has stone walls and an iron sheet roof. The land we live on is inherited from my late father. Four of our grandchildren are orphans from my late daughter who died in a car accident in 2002. After her death it was discovered she had HIV because her youngest son (6 yrs) also has it.
The other two grandchildren are from a daughter who is divorced. One is going to school, the other is looking for a job. The third daughter, 35, also has HIV. She lives with us and does all the chores at home.
I am a small-scale farmer, growing maize and vegetables in my small kitchen garden. We also keep poultry and two cows. Recently, we had to sell one of the cows to offset a hospital bill incurred by one of the grandchildren who tried to commit suicide. The only cow remaining is pregnant and cannot be milked until it gives birth.
Income: I am now retired and depend on carrying out small odd jobs.
Talent and skills: I am a leader and teacher in the Catholic church. I am also a beneficiary and spokesperson for the Sponsor A Grandparent program.
Under this program, I can meet my medical needs and that of others. I can also save a bit of money which is put into a group account like a saving for a ‘rainy day'. Sometimes, I am able to get a new pair of shoes, blankets and water tank of 50 litres. As a spokesperson I work closely with the Sister in charge of the program to reach out to those who cannot walk or are ill.
Paul's photogallery
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Comments submitted for this page
FRANCIS ANANDA CHIPUKUNYA (12th January 2013)
please help me to work well in the fight for loder people rights in malawi
Barbara (23rd May 2012)
Thank you for your comments Elizabeth. It is nice to hear that you would like your mother to join our older member campaigners. Please feel free to send me your email and I will talk to you more about our work.
Barbara
Campaigns Coordinator
bdockalova@helpage.orgBarbara (23rd May 2012)
Thank you for your comments Elizabeth. It is nice to hear that you would like your mother to join our older member campaigners. Please feel free to send me your email and I will talk to you more about our work.
Barbara
Campaigns Coordinator
bdockalova@helpage.orgElizabeth (12th March 2012)
When I read about the life of this old man,I feel encouraged by his confidence and the will of to never give up.I offer my congratulations to him and the sponsor for helping him and many more live longer. My mum is old74 years and a strong farmer.I would request mr njoroges contacts so as to know how I would get my mother to join other old members of this group as she can also be of help.
