by Umar Kachalla Gujiba, Boniface Biliyock, Caleb E. Odonye, Halima Nuhu Dikko

The ICHSSA-3 Project is also concerned with the impact of Partner collaboration and the multiplier effects it has in transforming households. To this end, the project explored opportunities for continuous partnerships and found the Save the Children International intervention that supports household economic growth and social development implemented by SCI’s Bureau of Humanitarian Affairs (BHA). The collaboration with SCI seeks to deepen assistance through shared innovation and vision support to ICHSSA-3 beneficiaries’ households who are either HIV-positive and pregnant, living with HIV-positive children, or caring for HIV-exposed infants or Adolescents-at-Risk in Damaturu LGA where an initial 107 beneficiaries were selected. A further assessment conducted with SCI to strategize on providing aid to the most vulnerable among the individuals within the OVC project saw a final selection of 53 caregivers. This is because there are far needier households than can be supported at any given time when considering the available resources.

The scheme by SCI has so far supported 53 ICHSSA-3 Caregivers where ₦62,500 was given in the second tranche of disbursement amounting to ₦3,312,500. The Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) current disbursement stands at ₦8,612,500 so far received by beneficiaries (including first tranche of ₦100,000 each amounting to ₦5,300,000). The entire package is expected to culminate into ₦11,925,000 at the end of March 2024 when the final disbursement of cash transfers at ₦225,000 to each household is completed.
Households are engaged in financial literacy sessions facilitated by Community Case Management Workers (CCMW) for learning valuable skills in business planning, effective budgeting and savings. Post Distribution Monitoring (PDM) to assess the outcome and progress made has yielded so many touching, inspiring and unique stories from caregivers whose testimonies are translated below from Hausa language:

1. Hassana a 32 -year-old lactating mother was struggling to make ends meet due to the economic downturn. However, the monthly cash assistance enabled her to purchase nutritious food, essential household items, school uniforms and medicine for her children. Additionally, she started petty trading that has been providing her with the needed cash flow to support her young family’s basic needs.
“With this support, I have turned my struggles into strength, providing for my family’s needs and building a future of hope for me and my children.” – Hassana Sabo, Lactating Mother of 5

2. Aisha, a dedicated caregiver in her late-20s with 1 child seized this opportunity to involve herself in selling condiments consisting of several local spices to enhance her economic status, family feeding arrangements and enrolled her only child back to school.
“From caregiver to condiment entrepreneur, I’m selling spices with success, ensuring a better future for my child and family.” – Aisha Bello, Entrepreneur and Mother.

3. Hadiza, a 40-year-old mother has improved in groundnut oil processing with one of her sons returning to school to complete his secondary education. She feels fortunate and believes she has every reason to smile and be hopeful.
“From oil business to other opportunities, the cash support has turned our dreams into reality. With education for my children and optimism, we’re grateful and creating a brighter tomorrow.” – Hadiza Hussaini, Groundnut Oil Processor and Mother of 4

4. Laria Muhammad, a 37-year-old mother has constantly been overwhelmed by family pressures due to financial instability. With so many children to cater for, she does not take this opportunity for granted. She has used her skills and knowledge of community to project herself as a Street Food Vendor selling Rice, Beans, Stew and Yam with so many loyal customers that propels her for success and financial security.
“From family pressure to financial freedom, I’m gradually enhancing my food business by the day. With loyal customers by my side, the journey is exciting and secure.” – Laria Muhammad, Street Food Vendor and Mother of 7

The success stories of Hassana, Aisha, Hadiza and Larai are just four examples of the transformative impact of Save the Children International’s Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) program. By providing financial support and thus improving access to essential resources and valuable services, the program has empowered ICHSSA-3 pregnant caregivers, lactating mothers, and families with young children to achieve household stability and build better futures for themselves and their children. Through these stories, we witness the profound difference that targeted assistance can make in the lives of vulnerable families, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for households.
In Yobe State, Nigeria, the partnership between the SFH ICHSSA-3 Project and SCI represents a valuable opportunity to create a path towards a better tomorrow for caregivers and their households. This assistance is anticipated to be accelerated by working together with SCI to identify and support other Project beneficiaries. We are hopeful that with this kind of collaboration, we can do better and achieve more. Together, we are not only transforming lives but also shaping a more inclusive and equitable future for all.