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.
My standards of living have improved because I managed to use this transfer to transform my well being. I can now charge my phone from home since I bought my own solar system and I no longer buy dry cell or batteries as source of light. I dress and sleep well courtesy of GiveDriectly's transfers which enabled me acquire clothes and good beddings. In addition to that, I'm happy that I have some money which I plan to use in buying dowry for marrying my wife because it's a taboo in our culture for a man to stay with someone's daughter without paying bride price.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was overwhelmed with happiness because this money meant a lot me because I was like a laughing stock in the village because I couldn't do much since I did not have money for marrying my wife.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I had to improve my house by purchasing household items like mattress, tables, utensils, bed sheets and clothes. I have built a simple grass thatched hut with this transfer and the remaining sum I'm planning to buy dowry then invite my in-laws for a marriage ceremony.
Enrolled
access_time almost 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Currently the woman I'm staying with as a spouse is not officially married to me. We have been courtshipping for 2 years and even got children. So, when I receive this money, I will use part of it as dowry to go and appreciate her parents so that other matrimonial arrangements can go forward. I will also use the other part of the money to rent agricultural land because currently we are doing agriculture on a small scale. This will give us higher yields that we shall use as food and also sell some so that we can have some income to sustain the household.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is usually in the evening because the early part of the day always finds me busy. So this is the time I get to rest and relax with other family members.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in my life is lack of money to cater for the household's basic needs like proper feeding and medical care. Attimes I'm forced to labour in other people's gardens so that I get money to buy food.
