At least 109 families in the Area of Traditional Authority (TA) Somba in Blantyre have benefited from Orphan Support and Ultra Poor Graduation (UPG) project being implemented by Islamic Relief Worldwide Malawi.
Islamic Relief Worldwide Malawi’s Ultra Poor Graduation Project Coordinator, Hajira Halilu Tuesday said the project which started in 2020 seeks to bail Ultra Poor Orphan Families out of poverty.
She revealed this when Blantyre District Social Committee visited the villages of Bakili and Malekwa in TA Somba to monitor progress of the Orphan Support and UPG project.`
“We are targeting families with orphaned children and those that find it hard to access food, water, healthcare, and other basic services. So far, the project has managed to provide financial educational support for two academic years, consumption support for six months, and one-time asset transfer amounting to K320, 000 per household to 109 families,” Halilu said.
One of the beneficiaries, Malita Alfred hailed the project for transforming lives of many vulnerable families in the area.
She said that, “With lessons the project has been providing us on financial management, farming, and, business, our lives have changed as I am now able to provide for my children’s basic needs.
“I was given money which helped me to buy six goats in October 2022 and as of now, I have 13 goats. On top, goat farming is providing manure for my vegetable farming”.
Principal Social Welfare Officer responsible for Social Cash Transfer Programme in Blantyre, Kumbukeni Kauwa commended Islamic Relief Worldwide Malawi for implementing the project describing it as key in combating poverty in the district.
He urged the beneficiaries to invest in long-term economic activities that would sustain their livelihoods.
