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?
When I got my first transfer from GiveDirectly, I felt so happy as I had never received such an amount before. The happy part about these transfers is that we are not refunding and we plan on how to use them.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before GiveDirectly came, we had only one house which was not in good shape and it was much squeezed for my family. When I got the money, I spent it on buying materials for constructing a new house and a store. I am glad that the house is complete and soon we shall be moving in. That's the biggest difference in my life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
In the transfer which I received from GiveDirectly, I spent a large portion on buying building materials for the construction of a new house. The remaining amount, I spent on paying for my medication since I was unwell at that time. I am glad that we have a very good house which is more specious than that which we had.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have been suffering from chest problems for about two years and I have never afforded to seek medication due to financial constraints. As an aged widow and a peasant farmer, raising funds for medication and other basic needs is a challenge. Although I am not sure about the exact cost of treatment, I have never dared to visit any hospital without money. In that regard, receiving this money means that my health shall be restored because I will afford to seek medication from a reputable hospital.
What is the happiest part of your day?
It has been stressful for me to stand up and walk due to the chest problems that I have. Fortunately, a sympathetic local herbalist got me some drugs that attracted dramatic improvements in my body. Currently, I can stand up and walk, though with some difficulty. Also, about two months ago, my grandson was taken to a local dispensary for some medication by a good Samaritan. Although we are yet to get healed from the ailments, the treatments that we received brought us lots of happiness as a family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
As a family, the biggest challenge that we are facing is ailments. One of my grandchildren has been suffering from stomach ulcers since his childhood. This has adversely impacted his studies. He is currently in Grade Five but has been on and off from school due to sickness. Also, the chest problems that I am facing had hindered me from effectively handling my farming tasks. Overall, I feel that ailments are trying to destroy my family.
