We check in with people at each stage of the cash transfer process to see how things are going. Take a look at some of their stories as they appear here in real-time.
Learn more about how recipients opt in to share their stories.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now have a homestead. I put up two houses that will accommodate us. As a result, I will make sure that I will be joined by my wife and child in a month. I want to make sure that she will be here by the time I get the second transfer. I will ensure that I start a hairdressing business for her so that we have a daily income. I am glad that GiveDirectly will have saved my marriage.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I read the message with a lot of attention just to make sure it was real. I could not believe it but after reading it with my sister in law and my brother, I was convinced that it was true. I then started making plans to make a turnover in my life.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my first transfer on building my home. I had no house at all after I separated from my wife about 2 years ago. The one I had did fall apart because It was too old and she was not there to maintain it anymore. I bought building materials for the construction of a living house and a kitchen. I then bought a cow for payment as dowry and atonement because I am the one who caused the separation. I want my child and my wife back at home so badly that I am willing to pay the price to have them here for afresh start.
Enrolled
access_time almost 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means improved housing on my side.The hut i live in is too small and is one roomed hence 300usd of my transfers from Gd will enable me to build a more spacious and comfortable two roomed iron roofed house. I will then use 180 usd to buy a heifer for milking in future and the remaining part of my transfer will enable me to buy hybrid maize seeds and use some for land preparation to ensure improved yields during the next harvest period.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My occupation entails doing casual jobs eg. cultivating people's lands to earn a living. I always prefer to do these jobs in the mornings when my energy is at the peak after having a complete rest of 8 hours at night, which makes morning the happiest part of my day
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I dropped out of primary school while in my 3rd year of my studies due to lack of financial support from my parents in paying school fees. I had always wished to study upto the university level and study teaching as a career, a dream that was rendered futile then. I wish i had completed my studies and get employed by the government for a sustainable source of income but now i engage in casual jobs to earn a living
