EU Delegation Witnesses Life-Changing Impact of SP-GEAR Project Through CRECCOM’s Work in Zomba

 EU Desk Officer Vivian Ricler, UNICEF Deputy Representative Amy Clancy, CRECCOM Board Chair Justice Jean Rosemary Kayira, Zomba District Commissioner Reignhard Chavula, and CRECCOM Executive Director Alinafe Ireen Chibwana pose with Social Cash Transfer beneficiaries who showcased their businesses and farming activities during the SP-GEAR project visit.

A high-level delegation from the European Union (EU), led by Vivian Ricler, Desk Officer for Social Protection Programs for Africa at EU headquarters in Brussels, visited Zomba District to appreciate progress under the Social Protection for Gender Empowerment, Empowerment, and Resilience (SP-GEAR) project—implemented in Malawi with support from the EU and the Government of Ireland through UNICEF.

CRECCOM is implementing Output 2 of the project in Zomba, Mzimba North, and Mzimba South, supporting Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) beneficiaries—especially women and girls—to build resilience, diversify livelihoods, and increase income through economic empowerment initiatives.

The delegation, which included officials from the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare; UNICEF; TEVETA; CRECCOM Board Chairperson Justice Jean Rosemary Kayira and the Zomba District Council led by District Commissioner, Reignhard Chavula; visited Traditional Authority Kumtumanji, where they interacted with SCTP beneficiaries. Among them was the family of Kennedy and Fanny Dinga, who, with support from the SP-GEAR project, developed a family vision, joined a Village Savings and Loans group, and invested in irrigation farming and livestock. They now own two cows, three goats, and comfortably support their six children in school.

The EU delegation led by Vivian Ricler appreciates the progress made by Kennedy and Fanny Dinga at their farm, part of the SP-GEAR project in Zomba.

Cows: Proudly owned by the Dingas.

“Before the project, life was very hard for us,” said Kennedy and Fanny Dinga. “Through the trainings and encouragement from CRECCOM, we learned to plan and invest wisely. Today, we run small businesses, raise livestock, and can send all our children to school. We have also plastered our house and our dream is to roof our house with iron sheets soon.”

UNICEF Deputy Country Representative–Programmes, Amy Clancy, described the visit as a strong testimony of impact at the community level.

“What we have seen here in Zomba shows that social protection works—especially when paired with empowerment and mindset change. Families like the Dingas are proof that with the right support, communities can move from vulnerability to self-reliance. CRECCOM’s work on the ground is impressive, and we’ve noted areas such as access to irrigation pumps where additional support can further strengthen results,” she said.

At Sakata Community Technical College, the delegation met four students from SCT households pursuing technical and vocational training. Their tuition is funded by the Technical, Entrepreneurial, and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TEVETA), while their upkeep is supported by the SP-GEAR project. Director of TEVET Programs at TEVETA, Modesto Gomani, said the partnership is giving young people from poor households a future. “These students are gaining skills that make them employable and productive. It’s a bridge from poverty to opportunity,” he said.

CRECCOM pavilion with SP-GEAR beneficiaries showcasing their businesses and farming activities during the donor visit in Zomba.

Principal Secretary for Administration in the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability, and Social Welfare, Oliver Kumbambe, described the Cash Plus approach as “a game changer” for Malawi. “Cash transfers alone bring temporary relief, but when linked with skills, savings, and productive investments—as seen under SP-GEAR—they create sustainable transformation,” he said.

CRECCOM Executive Director Alinafe Ireen Chibwana emphasized that CRECCOM’s approach focuses on changing mindsets and strengthening local capacity. “We believe in going beyond cash. We work with communities to identify their own potential, organize around savings groups, and use their resources productively. That’s how lasting change begins,” she said.

EU Desk Officer Vivian Ricler addressing the crowd that gathered to witness the SP-GEAR project’s progress and impact.

The visit concluded with a debriefing session where donors and partners reflected on achievements, discussed challenges, and agreed to explore additional support for agricultural inputs and irrigation equipment to strengthen livelihoods further.