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 has been serving happy customers in my shop. My customers are now happy that they can find a well stocked shop that has available commodities that can suit their needs.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was in my house with my wife when I saw the message. I don't know exactly when the money was sent, because my mobile phone had been off for a while as it was charging at a different location. I got my phone and switched on my phone at that moment which was 4:00 pm in the evening, and then the message came in. I was really happy and my wife was also very happy when I informed her. At that moment I believed that truly the transfers were real. I knew then that I would achieve my business goals. I then took some time on my own just to think of how I will spend the transfers.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my first transfer to invest in my two existing businesses which were not doing so well, because I lacked enough funds to restock my businesses. I was engaged in poultry farming, and I also owned a retail shop that stocked commodities like flour and sugar. I spent my transfers to add more stock to my shop and to buy feeds and medicine for my chicken. I invested in these two businesses because they are both profitable businesses and I can sustain my family with profits from the businesses. Chicken also take a short time to mature, which should bring me back profit within a short time.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving money from Givedirectly means I will have enough working capital to fully stock my shop so that I can retain my customers and generate adequate income.Two years ago,I started a general shop business at home to generate income and cushion members of my village from having to walk long distance to Maryango for shopping.However, my dream of making it a one stop shop has not been realised due to inadequate working capital.This has made some people to avoid my shop because they don't get everything they need under one roof and still have to proceed to Maryango.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My normal day starts at six in the morning when I milk the cows, feed the chickens and head to grazing the cows until ten in the morning after which I open the shop business and take charge until eight in the evening. My happiest part of the day is usually in the evening when I take a rest from a busy day with the feeling that all my plans and projects are on the right track.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in life is lack of financial capital to turn my ideas into business opportunities.For so many years,I have been harbouring ideas on dairy farming, poultry farming and maize farming under irrigation.My main aim for these ideas has been to be self employed and create a source of income that can sustain the needs of my family.Lack of capital to implement the ideas has therefore been my biggest worry even as I face persistent financial constraints that hinders me from being self employed and adequately providing for the basic needs of the family.
