Dignity and choice for people with disabilities through cash transfers

Above: Ite with his wife Susana cleaning tamarind which will be eventually sold for additional funds to repair their toilet, along with some of the cash they have received through the AHP COVID-19 response. Photo: Rista J. Sambalagi/World Vision Indonesia

The double burden of COVID-19 and personal health challenges have made life challenging for 60-year-old Ite, who lives in South Central Timor Regency, Indonesia.

Ite was unable to manage his diabetes due to financial constraints. Six years ago, this led to the amputation of his leg. Since then, his poor health and limited mobility have reduced his ability to contribute to household tasks and earn an income. He has only been able to work in the field with his wife.

Ite receiving one cash transfer of IDR 60,000 (AUD 60) during cash distribution led by World Vision Indonesia and Gereja Masehi Injili di Timor (GMIT). Photo: Rista J. Sambalagi/World Vision Indonesia

Thanks to World Vision’s Indonesian COVID-19 Surge Response, supported by the Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP), Ite was identified to receive cash support. Cash and vouchers enable individuals to meet their needs while enhancing dignity and choice, all while supporting local economies.

Ite received Rp1,200,000 in cash (AUD 115), which he used to buy food and other essentials. The prices of staple foods have been rising in Eastern Indonesia due to the economic impacts of COVID-19.

"I am happy to receive this assistance. I will use the funds to buy necessities and piglets for my future needs [especially during emergencies]," explained Ite.

Through the AHP activation, participants like Ite have received two cash transfers, allowing them to plan how they will invest the funds.

“I will use the second aid fund to repair the toilet. We are also collecting tamarind to sell so our toilets can be built,” Ite explained.

The Indonesian COVID-19 Surge Response in South Central Timor is a collaborative effort between World Vision Indonesia and its local partner, Gereja Masehi Injili di Timor (GMIT), an Evangelical Christian Church in Timor. As of October, the response has distributed assistance to 1,283 people, including 228 people with disabilities. Cash assistance was distributed through the credit union Citra Harapan Tribuana.

This assistance aims to help vulnerable families and people with disabilities affected by COVID-19 to meet their household and economic needs. In addition to cash and voucher programming, communities in South Central Timor also participate in various informational sessions on social protection mechanisms (such as government social assistance), COVID-19 prevention efforts, and the promotion of vaccinations.