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 6.10 am when I received a message notification on my phone. Since I was awake, I decided to read and know its contents. Upon reading it, I became so happy and I immediately informed my family about the good news and they were all so happy. This was my first time in my life to receive such an amount.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am now a proud owner of a motorcycle. I would not have been able to achieve this at my own cost. Due to this, I have been able to provide for my family on time unlike before when I used to depend on any available casual work. its pay was always low and my family would at time go to bed without taking anything. I was always tired most of the time and I hardly had time for my family or to even work in my farm. I am now glad since I usually have enough time to rest, work on my farm and even bond with my family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my first transfer, I bought a second hand motorcycle. We settled on this as a family so that I will be operating it to offer taxi services in our region and to carry goods for people. With this, I will be earning more income daily unlike before where I used to depend on any available casual work. On the remaining amount, I spent it on the welfare of my family. I bought some decent clothes for my family and also school uniforms for my children buying enough food that will last us for some time.
Enrolled
access_time 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I recently had to rebuild my house after the heavy rains destroyed my old house.I therefore had to spend all the money that I had saved with the intention of putting up an investment on building it.Receiving this money will enable me buy a motorbike and through it I will be able to earn an income to support my family of four.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I spend most of my day i.e morning to afternoon working at a nearby vast farm.In the afternoon,I get my pay for the day and pass by the nearest market to buy foodstuff to take home.It is at this time that I am happiest because I am sure that my family has food for the day and as I approach home,the joy that my young children receive me with makes me even happier.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have been working as a casual labourer in order to provide for my family.With the little I get,I normally put aside some so that one day I can start an income generating business.However,recently there was heavy rainfall which destroyed the hut my family lived in.I was hence forced to build my current house using that little savings and this left me to start all over again.This is the biggest hardship I have faced.
