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 was sitting in my usual spot on the veranda, watching the sunrise, when Caroline, my co-wife's granddaughter, came to me with my phone. She handles it for me because I am illiterate and very old. That morning, she came to me with a smiling face and told me that the promised transfers had been sent to my account. The news filled me with joy that I felt like ululating, but I held it in, not wanting to let others know about the money.
The first thought that came to my mind was to invest the money in a shop business. I imagined the freedom and dignity of having an income-generating activity, especially since I have been relying solely on my co-wife's son for provision ever since my spouse passed away and because I do not have children of my own. This new opportunity felt like a blessing and a chance to secure my future.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Since receiving payments from GiveDirectly, my life has transformed in ways I never imagined. As a widow with no children of my own, I used to depend heavily on my co-wife's children, and there were days when I went without food. Now, I always have food at home and have even managed to start a small shop. This business is thriving, and for the first time, I have my income. The payments have given me independence and hope, turning my once-challenging life into one filled with promise and stability.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
As a widow and very old, I relied on my co-wife's son for provision because I did not have children. Upon receiving my most recent transfer, I invested it in a shop business. There was already a shop structure at home, but it needed renovations to be usable. So, I bought 13 pieces of iron sheets for $120, three bags of cement for $23, and spent $94 on purchasing and fixing shelf timbers. The person who did the renovation charged $20. After these renovations, I stocked the shop with items worth $40.
After setting up the shop, I also bought a sack of maize for $45. This purchase was crucial as it ensured we had food at home, providing some relief to the breadwinner, who works as a casual laborer. By investing in the shop and securing food, I aimed to create a sustainable source of income and reduce the financial burden on my co-wife's son, who has been supporting me.
Enrolled
access_time 7 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I am a business woman who owns a shop at my home. The business runs with a capital of $30 and the market is good. I make a profit of $5 per day. I have had the passion to expand it but I lack the capacity. I am sick suffering from ulcers and pressure and this has really cost my business. I will use $300 to boost my business and I intend to make a profit of approximately $10 per day. I will also use $400 for my medication. I will see a specialist so that I get proper treatment.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My family has been suffering from famine for a while. We have taking one meal per day. However, in October 2023, we received rain and planted maize crops on my two acres of land and harvested six bags of maize each 90kg. The food will sustain the family for the whole year. The harvest brought happiness in my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Healthy issues is the problem that I am currently facing in life. I have pressure, ulcers and two bowls on the chest. It is two years now since I started suffering and the disease has really put me down. I can not do any work now thus depending on other people.
