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 9am.When I heard a message tone from my phone. It was a message confirming that I have received money from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy because GiveDirectly has fulfilled their promise. I have never received such amount of money before. I really celebrated with joy. My family members felt so happy too. I was able to pay all the hospital bills and got cleared. I could have sold some of my asset. GiveDirectly came at the right time to rescue me. I'm so happy because everything came out smart.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I spent almost all the money on hospital bill. This was my main concern. I depend on small scale farming , I was not able to save any amount. The hospital bill was an emergency on me. I could have sold my assets to clear this. I was so stressed up because this was unplanned. We didn't had peace of mind to conduct other activities at home. When I received the transfer from GiveDirectly I felt so happy because I knew I would be able to seek medication and those for my three mentally unstable children. I took them to a specialist and the were able to be given some medication. Currently the are doing well. I am so grateful because there is an improvement compare to previous days. Were it not GiveDirectly this could not have happened. I could have sold my land. My children conditions could have gotten to worst. I have peace of mind to stay at home. Thanks so much for the support.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent almost all the money on hospital bill. I was feeling unwell that time. I also have three children who are mentally unstable. This was my biggest challenge because I had to take them for medication every month and it was so costly. I am so grateful for the support because I was able to take them to specialist for further check up. Currently they are doing well. The rest of the money I bought food and clothes.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I would first like to sincerely express my gratitude to GiveDirectly for enrolling me in this program. In my life I never thought that we would one day get such help, it is so miraculous to me. These transfers will help me a lot now that am old and can't do anything to earn an income and I usually depend on my children to send me remittances. It will help me buy enough food and warm clothing since my health lately hasn't been stable and I guess it's due to the cold environmental conditions and lack of sufficient food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My grandchildren usually spend time with me mostly in the afternoon hours and it gives me happiness sitting on the side and watching them play.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship lately has been lack of an income in old age. We don't get sufficient food or any warm clothing. The government also failed to provide us with money meant to cushion the old.
