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.
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
297300 MWK ($364 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I managed to pay some people who collected sand for plastering my house which was something that I didn't plan for
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I feel that with the money that we receive to build a house, it is not enough for someone starting from scratch.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have bought cement (12 bags) and the other money I have saved for building my house
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
307200 MWK ($378 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
When i recieved the money, i was sick and in bed for the whole week but when i recieved an alter from Airtel money informing me that i had recieved my transfer i was happy and greatful.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before i recieved the money, i had a house that i was not satisfied with. The biggest difference that i have faced now is that i now will own a house that i will be proud of. It will be well plastered, floored and painted. This is something that i will be happy and proud of everyday.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My day to day job is builder and i usually travel alot. I have a house that i managed to build from my job. I was able to buy iron sheets from the same job. I wanted my house to be plastered and floored with cement but on my own i could not since the money i make also feeds my family of 8.
When i recieved the money, i planed that i will buy sand and cement as well as paint to complete my house. I want my house to shine in this village and i will be proud of my house.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My wife died three years ago and I have been living alone ever since. Since I am a carpenter and a farmer, I earn enough money for food and daily basic needs. However, being a single parent comes with its disadvantages as I have to take care of the grandchildren alone.
Since I am old now and more grandchildren are coming to live with me,it has always been my ambition to finish the house properly so that they live comfortably. Right now,it has no windows and good floor hence I am going to make sure that is taken care of.
The other money will go towards investing more into my business by making sure I get quality materials which make the products to have better prices. This in turn will continue bringing more income for me and my grandchildren.
What is the happiest part of your day?
All am grateful for in this life is the ability to still provide for my grandchildren. There are many people like me in the village but they are not in good health to do the things I do such as farming and carpentry. Hence everyday of waking up healthy is always my happiest moment.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship currently is that I am failing to have a wife. This is so as the the women that am finding want me to settle in their village or sometimes at their clan instead of them coming here. All this is because of the culture we have here which encourages the man to settle at the wife's village.
