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 woke up early that morning, ready to head to the farm as usual, but everything changed when I saw a message on my phone. It was informing me that I had received the unconditional cash transfer. My heart raced with excitement, and I could hardly believe my eyes. Instead of going to the farm, I decided to rush to the nearest shopping center to withdraw the money. The first thing I planned to do with the money was to buy the medication my sick mother desperately needed. This unexpected blessing filled me with hope and gratitude, knowing that it would significantly improve our lives.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
When I first received the GiveDirectly transfers, I had so many plans. The biggest one was to repair my motorbike, which I use for my business. However, my mother's health started to decline rapidly, and I had to make a difficult choice. I ended up spending all the money on her medication, hoping it would make a difference. Unfortunately, her health continues to deteriorate, and I haven't seen any improvement despite the expenses. It's been heartbreaking and frustrating, feeling like I'm running in circles with no progress. Still, I remain grateful for the assistance I received. I continue to pray for her healing because I know that if she recovers, I'll be able to redirect my efforts and resources towards other things that will allow me to progress in life. Right now, my focus is on her well-being, and I hope that better days are ahead for both of us.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the unconditional cash transfer, my immediate priority was to take care of my bedridden mother. I spent $250 on her medication through private doctors who have to visit her at home since she cannot eat well and requires constant medical attention. Ensuring her comfort and health is my top priority, and this money has been a lifesaver in providing her with the care she desperately needs. Next, I used $150 to pay off some debts that had accumulated when I took my mother to the hospital. These debts were a constant source of stress, and being able to clear them has lifted a significant burden off my shoulders. Additionally, I gave $2 to my brother to help with his son's wedding preparations. Finally, I left the remainder of $130 as an emergency fund for my mother's medication, knowing that her condition requires ongoing expenses. Having this reserve gives me peace of mind, knowing that I can address any immediate medical needs that arise.
Enrolled
access_time 9 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I divorced my wife nine years ago and I only live with my mother. I do casual jobs earning little income which caters for food and my mother's medication. She is aged and sick. I have a second hand motorcycle which is not in good condition. I will use $400 to repair it and become operational. This will help me earn income on daily basis. I will also use $200 to buy four goats as an investment. The remaining amount will help me buy iron sheets to finish building my house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Food has been a challenge for me. My casual jobs is not promising sometime I go without any job for even a month. This brings hunger in my house. However we received rain in our village on October last year. I planted maize and harvested one bag of maize Worth 90 kg. The food will sustain the family for the next three months.The harvest brought happiness in my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of reliable source of income is the challenge I am currently facing in life. I do casual jobs which lacks guarantee of accessing one every day. Some times I go even a month without any job. This makes me go hungry.
