“Issues such as mental health, emotional voids, care, rights, teamwork, and coexistence have been among the many topics addressed by Ana Camila Ramirez, our social work intern from Externado University. Under the leadership of our professional Angie Rodriguez, they have helped improve the relationships and quality of life of elderly street dwellers, beneficiaries of the Union Project Foundation.
Thanks to the work done by our psychosocial area for the beneficiaries of the María es mi Madre Dinning Room and Casa de la Esperanza programs, both located in downtown Bogotá, we have been able to assess the level of knowledge that elderly people have on their rights and places of care, what they go through to survive every day and also reflect on the importance of healthy coexistence and management of conflict situations within Casa la Esperanza. Today, we host 40 elderly people who no longer live on the streets.
The social work done in favor of this population is not easy, since their needs are many: about one hundred elderly people have been left alone at this stage of their lives and they have to cope every day with difficult conditions, such as not being covered by a health issue, however, having someone like Ana Camila to listen, receive advise form and greet them, or share a smile is enough to brighten their lives. She treats the elderly with dedication, affection, and care. These factors have been essential to achieving the proposed objectives.
Thanks to this social work practice that began 3 years ago, our organization has provided new care spaces that help us dignify this forgotten population’s lives.”
