Social cash transfers save elderly people
The elderly in Rumphi District have commended the Social Cash Transfer Programme for helping them graduate from abject poverty.
In an inter view on Monday, one of the beneficiaries, Dorica Go n d w e , 6 7 , f rom Chikalamba Vi l l a g e , Traditional Authority Chikulamayembe, said the monthly stipend helps her meet her daily needs such as food.
She said: “I started receiving the monthly stipend in 2018 and since then my life has changed for the better. I have built a house and roofed it with iron sheets.
“ In a ddition , government encourages us to join village savings and loans groups to save money. Through such groups, I have access to loans for my tomato business.”
Gondwe said through the business, she is able to earn money to buy fertiliser for her farm.
Another beneficiary, Wyness Nyirenda, 86, from Kanyunya Village, said due to her advanced age, she struggled to buy clothes and feed herself.
She said: “Fortunately, government enrolled me into the programme. I also joined a village savings and loans group to grow my income.
“Now I am able to buy fertilisers and hire labourers to work on my farm. I also bought livestock such as pigs and goats which have improved my well-being.”
On her part, Mercilina Ng’oma ,74 , from Thuzi Village, said the programme is helping the elderly get basic necessities to enjoy their life.
Rumphi district social welfare officer Zindaba Lungu said many beneficiaries in the district have constructed decent houses and rear livestock.
“ The finance management skills beneficiaries acquire from village savings and loans groups have helped them to succeed in savings and investments,” he said.
The Social Cash Transfer Programme is a Malawi Government’s safety net initiative under the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Programme funded by a Multi-Donor Trust Fund and the World Bank.
