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.
For a long time, I lived in a small old and leaky house with my family. Whenever it rained, it made sleeping very uncomfortable and my children were often exposed to diseases due to the moisture and cold. Some of my children also had to seek for a sleeping place at my neighbor's house because of limited space. I always wanted to change this situation by building a more decent house but lack of finances would not allow me. The biggest difference in my daily life, therefore, is the fact that we now live in a decent, spacious and comfortable house. I was able to do this using the transfer I received from Give Directly. I am glad that my children are healthy and even have extra space where they can study and do their homework with less interference. We are so happy as a family!
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I had just retired to bed after a long day of work. At around 2230hrs, I got a notification on my phone that I had received a message and upon checking who the message was from, I got so excited to learn that I had received my first transfer that Give Directly had promised to send us! I could barely sleep for the rest of that night!
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer received to buy a cow and a goat for rearing. I have always had an interest and desire to rear livestock but I could not afford to buy them. I also bought sixteen pieces of iron sheets and other construction materials and built a better house. Previously, I lived in a small old house that barely accommodated us all and I am glad the new house is big enough. I used the rest of the transfer to buy some foodstuff enough to carry us throughout the month.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My wife died long ago and I was left in this homestead alone. Being old and sick after having dislocated my waist borne, I am forced to depend on my brother from the extended family to provide for my basic needs. His support is not consistent and sometimes, I go hungry the whole day. This situation has forced me to live a miserable life, something that has subjected me to mockery. The arrival of GiveDirectly in our village has awakened my hope for a better life. I plan to construct a spacious iron roofed house because the one I currently live in is small, grass thatched and leaking when it rains. In addition, I plan to spend the remaining transfers on livestock business in order to have a reliable source of income and transform my livelihood. Therefore, this transformation is basically what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I mostly spend my day at home since I am unable to walk long distances. Being a dependant to my brother, my morning and afternoon hours are very challenging to me since I sometimes miss meals. It is only in the evening that I am assured of getting my dinner. Therefore, I consider evening as the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My life time job has been tapering palm wine but currently, I am unable to do it because I fell down and dislocated my waist borne. This has forced me to depend on my extended family members to provide for my basic needs. Therefore, lack of reliable source of income is my biggest hardship.
