The power of cash assistance and training to transform children’s lives

Chadrack is a 12-year-old Registered Child attending grade 2. He lives in the Itaba commune of Gitega province. Chadrack’s family primarily relies on farming and other small businesses that his father initiated thanks to World Vision cash transfer support and training.

Chadrack used to face hardships, often hindering his regular attendance to school as he lacked necessary school materials, clothes and food. “We used to live in a hut without light at night, and it leaked whenever it rained. Sometimes, my few copybooks got damaged. Food was not enough; and all that negatively affected my school performance”, says Chadrack.

Chadrack’s family was identified by World Vision among other most vulnerable households who enrolled the Ultra Poor Graduation (UPG) model and received 476,000 BIF (164 $). This cash assistance aimed to enhance the household economic resilience of 77 identified most vulnerable households in his community.

Additionally, Chadrack’s father (Gabin) and other beneficiaries participated in the Saving for Transformation Program (S4T) where they learned essential skills such as developing business plans and effective saving techniques. The Empowered World View (EWV) curriculum changed their mindset, enabling them to navigate challenges with confidence, resilience and foresight.

Thanks to the cash assistance and training, Gabin started breeding 13 chicks, 3 goats, and 1 pig that helped him have organic manure that he used to fertilize his land to increase harvest and to generate additional income for other basic needs. As a result, Chadrack’s father was able to build a nice house, increase food production and buy a solar panel for nighttime lighting.

Chadrack expressed his joy stating, “We have enough food thanks to an improved life at home. I celebrate that I am now in grade 2, hoping for an improved performance”.

The increased income in Gabin’s family has also facilitated access to hygiene essentials such as soap and clothing for both parents and children, significantly improving their well- being.