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.
Starting a business and constructing a house are among my top priorities. My house at the moment is small and its walls are falling especially when it rains. On one side, I covered it with a polythene. Living in this house has lowered my self-esteem and I always feel ashamed to be at home during the day time. I would rather spend my day at my workplace. With this money, I look forward to changing my status quo since I plan to spend my first transfer ($550) to ensure the housing problem is put to an end. This will provide the opportunity to enjoy my life at home by welcoming visitors to whom I have postponed their appointments. On the other hand, my work earns me $30 per month an income that goes to food. I desire to supplement this income by starting a kiosk where I will be selling foodstuff. This will earn me extra cash to continue supporting my family. I intend to spend $200 on this project. The remaining amount will help me to cater for other needs like school fees and food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In April this year, I was lucky to buy a goat at $30 which is the whole of my monthly income. This was possible because my husband was able to support us with our basic needs that month and I took advantage of it. Having this goat means achieving a dream that I have had for a long time and I consider it as what has brought me joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
What I never expected in my life was to raise my children with difficulties including food insecurity and fee problems. This is exactly what is happening because life has become so miserable and it has not spared us. Imagine a child being sent home because of $5! At home, we also skip some meals, a situation that has directly affected our health status. Both our incomes with my husband can not fully cater to our needs because in a month we earn less than $100. Considering the many needs in our household, it becomes tough to balance between meeting all our basic needs. This has pained me as a mother since watching my children desperately has robbed away my joy. Hence, I consider financial instability as my biggest challenge.
