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?
One day, after a tiring day of working on the farm, I was resting outside my house when I received a text message. Initially, I dismissed it, assuming it was a routine message from my service provider. However, my nephew later checked my phone and informed me that I had received money from GiveDirectly. My joy knew no bounds, and a wide smile adorned my face. Overwhelmed with gratitude, I knelt down and offered a prayer of thanks to the Lord.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The most profound change in my life since receiving the transfers is the realization of my long-term dream of owning land. I am now one step closer to achieving this dream after making the initial payment. The happiness I feel is immeasurable, and I extend my sincere gratitude to GiveDirectly for their noble act of assisting the less fortunate members of our society.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Currently, I reside on land that does not belong to me. Due to our cultural customs, as a female child, I am not entitled to inherit land. However, it has always been my cherished aspiration to own land, and in order to fulfill this dream, I had to take matters into my own hands and purchase it myself. With my initial transfer, I allocated $500 towards acquiring a one-acre plot of land, which had a total cost of $850. I am filled with happiness and optimism, knowing that I am now on the path to becoming the full owner of this land, where I can cultivate and eventually build a house for myself. The remaining amount was utilized to purchase food. The financial support I have received has played a significant role in enabling me to achieve my long-term dream, and I am incredibly grateful.
Enrolled
access_time 3 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Living with my son at my maternal home is another challenge that I am yet to resolve. Since I have a son, my wish is to own a piece of land where I can call mine or even shift and establish my new home in the future. For this reason, I will spend $300 of my money to buy a piece of land because it's still cheap in our area. On the other hand, I will construct a new house because I am currently seeking refuge from my brother's house. This has robbed away my joy and I wish to offset this menace. I, therefore, intend to spend $600 of my money to make this dream a reality. The remaining amount will support my son's education. Achieving this will mean a better livelihood and this is basically what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Life was so tough considering that, I only depended on magnesium extraction to earn money for food. In a week, I usually get $10 which I use to buy food. Sometimes, it used to get worse when my son is sent out of school because I usually get confused to balance between buying food and school fees with my $10. Fortunately, this year came with blessings of rain and I managed to harvest 1 bag of 90 kilograms. This will help me to save the little money from the casual work to help my son in school. Hence, the food I have at home is what has brought joy to my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My husband was not responsible and I had to part ways with him many years ago. This has forced me to live my own life at my maternal home although he sometimes visit us, maybe after a period of 2 year. Raising my son single-handedly yet I have a husband who is not responsible is a very tough life. This means I have to assume all the household responsibilities and I am required to engage in casual jobs to earn some cash for food. In addition, my house collapsed and I can not construct a new one because I do not have money. This has compelled me to seek refuge in my brother's house, a situation that has worsen my social status. What a life!
