In celebration of the 2025 International Day of Older Persons, the North West Senior Citizens Forum (NWSCF) embraced this year’s theme:
“Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-being, Our Rights.”
During its general meeting held on 30 September 2025, the Forum resolved to mark the occasion by conducting outreach visits to four primary schools on 1 October 2025. These visits were made possible through collaboration with the North West Office of the Premier, Department of Social Development and the Department of Education, whose support ensured the success of this initiative.
The identified schools — Batlhaping Primary School, Green Central Primary School, Madisebo Primary School, and Goitseone Primary School — are all located in Madibogo, Ratlou Municipality, within the Ngaka Modiri Molema District.
The outreach programme focused on educating and engaging learners about the importance of caring for, loving, and protecting older persons, while also raising awareness about the rights and well-being of the elderly. Learners were encouraged to show respect and compassion toward grandparents and all senior citizens in their communities.
Teachers and school management teams also had the opportunity to learn more about the rights of older persons and to reflect on life after retirement. The sessions highlighted the benefits of joining local Older Persons’ Forums or community clubs to promote active and graceful ageing — reinforcing the message that “we are retired, but not tired.”
