EU, Irish Aid bankroll About K1 billion for Social Protection

Two well-known international organizations, Irish Aid and the European Union (EU) have bankrolled about K1 billion to implement social protection and climate change programs targeting over 60, 000 vulnerable families in an effort to reduce poverty in the country.

The projects are going to be implemented by Christian Aid, United Purpose, Concern Worldwide and Eagles Relief to enhance resilience among most vulnerable households in seven districts that are exposed to perennial dry spells and floods.

Speaking during the launch at Mulilima area in Chikwawa on Thursday, Christian Aid Country Director Luke Theu explained that the interventions are designed to complement the cash transfer program, with components of food security, climate change and creating wealth among ultra-poor families.

“Some of the targeted districts are Chikwawa, Nsanje, Neno, Mulanje, Zomba and Mzimba where we will, among others, distribute cash transfers and goats to poor households.

“We are also promoting village savings and loan groups. We believe these interventions will promote good nutrition and self-reliance among rural masses,” said Theu.

Minister of Gender Patricia Kaliati said the extension of social protection initiative to a larger population should motivate more parents to end forced teenage marriages and stop abandoning children to loiter around the country’s streets.

“I am always concerned with increasing cases of unplanned teenage pregnancies, child marriages and horrific incidents of defiling children. Let us all fight to end such malpractices,” said Kaliati

Kaliati added that after the expiry of a 14-day ultimatum next week Friday, they will start removing street connected children and arresting all irresponsible parents.

On his part, Traditional Authority Mulilima has promised to be in the forefront encouraging his subjects to use cash transfer money to improve their families including supporting the girl child to remain in school.

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