Case Study from Colombia: Maximizing Impact on Children through Integrated Cash-Based Programming
In 2018, with the support of USAID’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) and Office of Food for Peace (FFP), Save the Children implemented a multi-purpose cash transfer ‘Plus’ program in response to the influx of Venezuelan into Colombia. The program aimed at covering vulnerable household’s basic needs and prevent them from resorting to negative coping strategies, notably affecting the protection and nutritional status of children. In addition to the monthly transfer of multi-purpose cash grants, Save the Children provided its beneficiaries with Child Protection and Nutrition support, consisting of IYCF activities and provision of recreational and psychosocial support through CFS and case management.
Results from this case study highlight the effectiveness of MPCA as a tool to tackle the financial causes of shelter, WASH and food insecurity, as well as its positive multiplier effects on other sectors such as Child Protection, Nutrition and (to a certain extent) Education and Health, particularly when combined with soft complementary activities.