Expanding the Child Grant Programme: Strengthening Families, Protecting Children
In Mozambique, the Child Grant Programme (Cash & Care) is expanding to Niassa and Nampula, reaching 7,000 more families. Since inception, nearly 48,700 children have been enrolled in Nampula and Cabo Delgado—120% of the original target.
The Child Grant Programme (Cash and Care) is expanding its reach to new districts, bringing vital support to thousands of families across Niassa, Cabo Delgado, and Nampula provinces. With this expansion, the programme not only meets its beneficiary targets but also introduces stronger case management services aimed at protecting children and empowering caregivers.
Scaling Up Coverage in Niassa and Nampula
In Niassa Province, the delegation of Marrupa aims to reach 4,000 beneficiaries, divided between Maua (2,000) and Marrupa (2,000) districts. Meanwhile, in Nampula Province, Nacaroa district joins the programme, bringing another 3,000 beneficiaries under its protection net.
This expansion ensures that some of the most vulnerable families—particularly those caring for children at risk of early marriage or young motherhood—receive critical support through the programme.
Since its inception, the Child Grant Programme has enrolled close to 48,700 children in Nampula and Cabo Delgado—achieving 120 per cent of the original registration target of 39,000. This remarkable result was made possible thanks to increased donor contributions that enabled the programme to reach more children.
Building Local Capacity
The success of the Child Grant Programme depends on strong local capacity. To this end, trainings have already begun in Marrupa, Maua, and Nacaroa districts, bringing together an impressive 173 participants. These include:
- Permanent staff, community midwives, and local leaders;
- APES community health agents;
- INAS and SDSMAS/RAMAS technicians;
- Provincial and district social services staff (including nurses, nutritionists, DPGCAS, SPAS, and INAS delegations).
This diverse group represents a powerful alliance of government institutions, community actors, and UNICEF working hand in hand for children’s well-being.
Strengthening Case Management
Beyond geographic expansion, the programme also seeks to deepen its impact. At least 15% of beneficiaries will now have access to individualized case management services. These services are designed to ensure early detection of violence and provide tailored support to caregivers—especially women and girls affected by child marriage or early motherhood.
Through regular follow-up, technical assistance, and close collaboration with community and government actors, the programme is building pathways to long-term resilience and protection for children.
UNICEF and Partners’ Role
UNICEF supports the Government of Mozambique in expanding the Child Grant Programme through the financial contributions of the Governments of the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Canada. In addition, UNICEF provides technical assistance at both provincial and district levels to ensure quality implementation and sustainability.
