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 distinctly remember being at home, deeply engrossed in fencing my plot of land when I was suddenly startled by the sound of a message alert. As I checked my phone, I immediately realized that I had received the money that GiveDirectly had promised me. It became the happiest day of my life because I knew I had the opportunity to improve my life significantly. With well-laid plans already in place, it was incredibly easy to put the money to good use.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The transfer I received has brought a remarkable transformation in my life, filling me with immense happiness. One particularly significant change is that I was able to initiate a goat-rearing project, a dream that once seemed unattainable due to limited funds. This accomplishment has rekindled my hope for the future, as I aspire to expand the project further with additional funds from GiveDirectly. Moreover, the transfer enabled me to stock up on a sufficient supply of food, ensuring that I would not face hunger. This newfound sense of security and the overwhelming gratitude it brings me fills my heart with great joy.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I rely on selling hens to make a living, and I am not married yet. When I was assured that I would receive money from GiveDirectly, it rekindled my dream of starting a goat-rearing project. I had attempted it before, but unfortunately, all the goats I had perished due to illness. The income I generated from my chicken business was insufficient to purchase goats, so I primarily used the profits for food and other basic necessities. With the prospect of goats, I knew I could establish a reliable income source for emergencies. Consequently, I invested $150 to acquire three goats and allocated the remaining $28 for food supplies. I am delighted that my long-held dream has finally become a reality in such a short time.
Enrolled
access_time 3 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
The transfers means so much to me because it will help me meet my most pressing needs. Firstly, I intend to use the money to buy food. I intend to purchase 30 kilograms of maize and 5 kilograms of beans at $30. For the remaining amount of the first transfer I intend to purchase 3 goats at $30 each. The second transfers will assist me in purchasing 2 cows. This is a great investment for me because I will be able to get milk to sell to my neighbours. For the third transfers I intend to fence my compound and farm. This will ensure that my animals are safe at night from wild animals. I believe that with the plans I've put in place my life will be transformed positively.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiness is drawn from the peace and tranquility that exists between me and my neighbours. I always assis Sote my neighbour who suffers from Asthma which brings me a lot of joy. I'm delighted that through my help she gets well and appreciates my efforts.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My challenge currently is the lack of money. I depend on casual work which I usually do within the village after my chicken business failed. This has made life very difficult for me since I sometimes fail to get work and therefore lack money to purchase food. This makes life very difficult since without money I have to sleep on an empty stomach.
