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?
It was around 3 pm, and I was at home relaxing after a long day. Suddenly, a message popped up on my phone, interrupting my quiet moment. My helper checked and delivered the news that the eagerly awaited money from GiveDirectly had been deposited into my account. Instantly, a rush of happiness flooded over me, grateful for the much-needed assistance. As I sat there, the first thought that crossed my mind was how this monetary help would ease some of my worries and bring a little more stability to my life.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Receiving monetary assistance from GiveDirectly brought a significant change to my life, especially in resolving a pressing issue that had been weighing heavily on me. With the help of the funds, I was finally able to settle my daughter's outstanding school fee balance, which had caused her to miss an important examination previously. This accomplishment brought immense relief and joy to both me and my daughter. No longer burdened by the worry of her academic future, we felt a renewed sense of hope and optimism. With this obstacle removed, my daughter can now focus on her studies without any hindrance, and I can rest assured knowing that her education is secure. The impact of this assistance has been truly life-changing, allowing us to move forward with newfound confidence and stability.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With the money I received, I made an essential decision to ensure the safety of my family. Our old house was on the brink of collapse, posing a constant threat to our well-being. Determined to provide a secure shelter, I embarked on the construction of a new two-room mud wall house. I purchased 20 pieces of iron sheets for $210 and building poles for $60, laying the foundation for a safer dwelling. Now, seeing my family nestled in our new home brings me immense relief and happiness, knowing that they are protected from the dangers of our dilapidated former house.
Moreover, I seized the opportunity to invest in my daughter Lucy's education. With $40, I settled her school fees, ensuring she could sit for her grade six examinations. Lucy had missed her exams three times due to unpaid fees, and witnessing her return to school filled me with peace and pride. I also allocated a portion of the remaining funds to purchase essential food supplies for my family, while setting aside the rest as a safety net for any unforeseen emergencies that may arise.
Enrolled
access_time 4 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
A new house! Being a widow has exposed me to a life of shame because I can not afford to construct a decent house for my family. Living in a single-roomed house has robbed away my joy as a parent since I lack privacy. Having $550 as my first transfer will mean constructing a decent and spacious house that will restore my dignity as a mother. On the other hand, I will spend $200 of my second transfer to buy 5 goats that will act as my long-term investment plan. The remaining amount will support my daughter's education as well as other household needs. Hence, this is generally what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Food security is something that can make a family happier. Since December last year, I have had green maize from my farm and it has sustained me until this time when I am harvesting. This season has blessed me with food that can support us for a period of 5 months. For all this time, my family will be food secure and this is what has brought me joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The feeling of not achieving my ambitions has made me unhappy because life has become harder. The charcoal work which I have depended on, all my life is very strenuous and low-paying. Currently, this job is not reliable since our area is now deforested and I am forced to dig out the tree remains to make charcoal. In a month, I make only $30 which I spend on food and school fees for my daughter. Considering the many and recurrent needs at home, I have for a long time lived a life full of stress. Hence, the lack of a reliable source of income stands out as my biggest challenge.
