Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 3 PM when I attended a community gathering, surrounded by the chatter of neighbors and the warm embrace of our close-knit village. Suddenly, I heard my phone ringing, and as I picked it up, my heart skipped a beat with excitement. The voice on the other end informed me that I had received my first unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly. Overwhelmed with joy and gratitude, tears welled up in my eyes. With this newfound financial security, I knew that I could finally turn my dreams into reality. No more wearying mobile salon visits, no more moving from house to house; I was going to open my own salon shop. It was the start of a brighter future, and the weight of uncertainty lifted from my shoulders.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life since I started receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly is that I now have a salon. When my spouse divorced me about three years ago, I had nothing to offer in terms of employment or stability. I was left stranded with my four children, and I had to return to my father's house to seek assistance. It wasn't easy, as my family also had their own financial responsibilities to handle. Consequently, my children struggled to meet their basic needs, including school fees and food, due to my lack of a stable income. I'm overjoyed now that I have the salon, and the profits I earn have alleviated the financial strain. I no longer have to worry about providing for my children's essential needs, and I can't thank GiveDirectly enough for their invaluable support and kindness. This transformation in my life has given me hope and a sense of security that I never thought possible.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I allocated $250 from my recent cash transfer to fulfill a long-held dream of starting my own salon. With that money, I purchased everything I needed—hairdryers, various hair products, shampoos, and soaps. Before this, I used to provide mobile salon services, going from house to house, which was both physically taxing and economically challenging. Now, I can proudly say I have my own salon, fully equipped with everything necessary to serve my clients. It's a dream come true, and the independence and stability it brings are beyond rewarding. After securing my salon venture, I made sure to prioritize my children's education. I used $30 to pay the school fees for my two children, one in grade four and the other in grade two. Their education had suffered due to financial constraints, and as a parent, it pained me to see them struggle. With the remaining amount, I invested in iron sheets and poles with the intention of adding an extra room to my house. My family was growing, and the need for more space was evident. Additionally, this expansion would provide better security for my belongings, as some of my properties had to be kept outside due to the limited space, leaving them vulnerable to theft. As a single parent relying on income from my salon business and occasional quarry jobs, these investments represent steps toward a more secure and stable future for my family.
