By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, February 20, Mana: Communities in Nkhata Bay are commending Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) for keeping children in school.

In an interview on Wednesday at Chinguluwe primary school during cash disbursement covering the month of January and February, Erah Mhone, a 68-year-old beneficiary from Kawalazi catchment in the area of Traditional Authority Kabunduli said she is able to pay school fees for her children from the money she receives.

"Before joining the program in 2022, I struggled to pay school fees for my children. Now, with the K76,000 I receive, I can afford to pay K30,000 for school fees for my child in Form One and reserve some to boost my business," she said.

Another beneficiary from Chinguluwe catchment, Annie Banda, also praised the program, saying the K55,000 she receives has enabled her to buy essential school items, such as uniforms and exercise books, keeping her three children in class consistently.

Similarly, a 59-year-old Misheck Sibale from Senior Chief Timbiri's area commended the program for supporting his family.

"Before being targeted in the program, one of my daughters dropped out of school and got married due to lack of school fees.

“This is not the case now, as I am able to pay school fees for my other two children who are at secondary school and I am optimistic that they will finish their education without problems," he said.

In his remarks, District Commissioner for Nkhata Bay, Rodgers Newa, acknowledged the program's positive impact and encouraged beneficiaries to continue investing in small-scale businesses to prepare for life beyond the program.

SCTP is being implemented across the country by the National Local Government Finance Committee with funding from the World Bank and Multi-Donor Trust Fund.

Currently, the program is supporting 6,476 beneficiaries in Nkhata Bay.