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.
I had longed to renovate my own house through the purchase of blocks, cement, and sand to be a permanent one. I could not have fulfilled this as I was not able to meet the full cost of rebuilding it. I thank GiveDirectly for helping me to achieve this. I also managed to acquire these three goats as my assets which upon reproducing, I will be having something to depend on in case of any financial challenge.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I saw the transfer notification early in the morning after waking up for my day's tasks. As I went through the notification, I was instantly filled with happiness upon knowing that I had received money from GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of the money to purchase three goats and I am expecting them to reproduce soon to help me in case of any financial challenge. Previously, I did not have any livestock in my homestead. I am also in the process of renovating my house. I ordered for a trip of blocks, sand, and cement which will help me to upgrade my house to be a permanent one. In addition to this, I paid school fees for my children and spent the rest of the money to buy food for my family and other households expenses.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
A sustainable source of income is something that I have always dreamt of. For a long time, I have desired to own a rental house in Bamba town but I do not have money to build it let alone purchasing land. This transfer alone is not enough to fund the project. Therefore, I will invest in goats and once they multiply I will sell them to pursue my dream.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am mostly happy in the evening when I am retiring to bed. This is because my day is always busy with household chores. The most energy draining one, is walking for over three kilometres to look for water. I always wish for sunset so that I can get time to rest.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Imagine depending on subsistence farming in a drought stricken area with unproductive land. This is a clear indication that in order to survive, I have to undertake casual jobs. But do I earn enough to sustain me? Definitely no, and this has put me at the center of financial constraint, which I regard as my biggest hardship. It has resulted to much struggle when it comes to the provision of basic needs especially food and clothing.
