About CECO
Care for Elderly Community Organization (CECO) is an indigenous South Sudanese national and female-led non-governmental organization operating in South Sudan. CECO is consciously aware of the prevailing situation of elderly people, children raised by elderly persons, persons living with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups in the community. CECO seeks to change the plight of these aforementioned groups through activities aimed at improving their lives.
CECO operates under five thematic areas: Intergenerational Activities, Social Justice, Advocacy, Health, and Inclusive Education. The organization also includes components of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) and Food Security and Livelihood (FSL) in its programming.
CECO ensures that inclusivity and peacebuilding are always integrated into its activities to foster peaceful coexistence within the entire community and neighboring communities, which is a prerequisite for achieving meaningful and tangible post-conflict developments for all.
Under its health programming, CECO also raises community awareness about the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Our Purpose
CECO’s purpose is to work with the community to provide support for the most vulnerable populations, specifically persons with disabilities, children (young girls and boys), and older women and men, without any discrimination based on tribe, religion, gender, social status, age, educational background, or political status. Our actions are guided by proximity, innovation, and the involvement of the community.
We operate with humanity and impartiality in all areas of support provided to our community members.
Vision, Mission & Motto
Vision
Our vision is to see “A South Sudan which is a better place to grow old and where every person, including the elderly and persons living with disabilities, has access to basic needs and rights.”
Motto
Our motto is “Age is wisdom.”
Mission
To promote the rights of elderly people, including persons living with disabilities, through empowerment and advocacy. We use a rights-based approach to ensure that age is seen as a blessing rather than a curse.
Thematic areas/ Area of focus
Intergenerational Activities: Through this program, CECO ensures that gender mainstreaming and protection are upheld within the community.
Social Justice: The social justice programs promote peace and reconciliation in the community by fostering accountability and transparency among leaders.
Advocacy: The organization advocates for the rights of older persons and persons living with disabilities. It also provides counseling to children raised by older persons, especially children living with disabilities, with the aim of reducing discrimination and promoting a culture of acceptance for the aged in the community.
Health: The health department offers psychosocial support (counseling) to children raised by older persons, facilitates referrals for older people to access medical care, and provides linkages to nearby hospitals for critically ill individuals.
Inclusive Education: Under Inclusive Education, CECO offers Education in Emergencies (EiE). We recognize that education cannot wait, and every child has the right to education regardless of their physical challenges.