The Voice of America(VOA) reported Thursday that the German Caritas Association, a Catholic relief organization, began an aid project for senior citizens residing in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang.

The report said the group revealed on its Web site that it recently built a new welfare facility for the elderly in Pyongyang.

Caritas is also said to be building eleven greenhouse structures for tuberculosis and hepatitis patients in three North Korean provinces of South Hamgyeong, Gangwon and Jagang. 

The group explained that produce grown in the greenhouses using solar heat will be provided to the patients through meals to aid their recovery.

Founded in 1897, Caritas has carried out overseas aid projects since the 1950s. The association launched projects in North Korea in 1996.