Social Cash Transfers Uplift Vulnerable Households in Mangochi
Beneficiaries of Malawi's Social Cash Transfer Programme in Mangochi district say the initiative has transformed their livelihoods.
MANGOCHI, Malawi - Beneficiaries of Malawi's Social Cash Transfer Programme in Mangochi district say the initiative has transformed their livelihoods, writes Bishop Witmos, MANA.
Millah Jafali, a beneficiary since 2015, said her family's situation has improved thanks to the cash transfers.
"I started saving some money through a village bank and later bought 10 goats. I'm able to pay school fees for my four children and support my family," said Jafali of Traditional Authority Chowe.
Kalako Yusufu of the Traditional Authority Nankumba said that through the programme, she managed to build a three-bedroom house with her savings over five years.
"I stayed in a grass-thatched house for years after my husband left me in 2008," she said. "I appeal to the government to consider increasing the monthly amount we receive because K30,000 is a bit too little to meet our needs."
According to Principal Social Welfare Officer Patrick Cholopi, the programme currently benefits over 18,000 households in the district, with over 8,000 headed by the elderly and over 9,000 headed by people with disabilities.