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 moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home in the evening when I overheard my neighbours talking to each other about receiving their transfers from GiveDirectly. Since I was also enrolled and expecting the same, I called for my daughter to help me check whether I had also received mine. I was overjoyed when she informed me that I had indeed received my transfer. I couldn't wait to withdraw the money and purchase new bedding for my family, replacing the old ones that were no longer offering the comfort we needed.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I used to sleep on an old traditional bed with my two grandchildren, which was not comfortable at all. I couldn't afford new bedding due to my low financial status. Thanks to GiveDirectly's support, I was able to buy two beds and two mattresses, replacing the old ones. I can now afford to sleep soundly, which is good for my health even in my old age. Before I received support, I also didn't own any livestock despite considering them valuable assets, especially as someone who relies on subsistence farming with no other source of income. Thanks to the transfers, I now own three goats and my goal is to breed them and grow them into a herd. Owning them gives me the reassurance that I can sell them if needed in the future to help with any financial needs.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am extremely grateful to GiveDirectly for the financial support they provided, which made significant improvements to my household. I had been wanting new bedding for a long time, and when I received the first transfer, I spent a substantial portion of it on purchasing new bedding, including two beds and two mattresses. This was a major upgrade from the old traditional bed I had been using, which was not comfortable. I'm happy that we now have new bedding as a family, thanks to the support from GiveDirectly. In addition to the bedding, I also used a portion of the transfer to purchase a new door for my house. My house was previously left open because I couldn't afford to fix the door. Having a new door has improved the security and living conditions for me and my family. I also invested $150 in purchasing goats to boost my livelihood. This was a big step for me because I had no livestock before and couldn't afford to buy any on my own. I'm delighted to have these three goats and I hope that they will multiply and grow into a herd. I plan to sell them as they increase in number, which will provide me with some income to meet my financial needs. Currently, I rely on subsistence farming for household consumption, and having the goats is a good source of income, since I can readily sell to generate money. Finally, I used the remaining amount of the transfer to buy food and other household items that were lacking.
Enrolled
access_time 6 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Living a safer life is generally what receiving this money means to me. Currently, my house is still not safe since it lacks a door and the walls are still open on some parts. This makes me feel, that reinforcing it with enough mud and fixing a decent door will bring about joy in my life. Since I am not energetic enough to do the work alone, I will hire some people to do this. My cost estimation to complete this will be $100. In addition, I will buy a new bed and a mattress to replace the old roped one which does not give me enough sleep. The new beddings will cost me $100 of my money. Part of the transfers $300 will help me to buy goats that will act as my longer-term investment plan. On the other hand, I will spend the remaining amount to support my son who is currently jobless to open a food kiosk in our nearby town. This will be our reliable source of income to depend on especially when our household becomes food insecure.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In November last year during the heavy rains, my house collapsed leaving me desperate. This exposed me to health risks due to the night's chilliness. Fortunately, in January this year, my daughter bought me some iron sheets and constructed a one-roomed house for us. This spared us from the danger of rain and I am currently spending my nights in a safer place despite lacking a door. Hence, I consider this as what has brought me joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial constraints stand out as my biggest challenge because my husband and I are jobless at home due to our old age. This has pushed us to live a desperate life due to the worst nature of our house and the beddings. Imagine sleeping in a house without a door! This has exposed us to the danger of robbery at night. Also, sleeping on my bed over the night means waking up with rope marks all over the body which makes me feel more pain. What a worrying life!
