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 eight in the morning when I was preparing breakfast for my children then my phone started rinding continuously. On checking, I realized that it was the money from GiveDirectly that I have anxiously been waiting for all that long. I felt so happy and started celebrating with my family.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life that I can proudly mention is the fact that I now own a spacious well plastered iron-roofed house. Before the coming of GiveDirectly into my life, I used to sleep under a very small house which was in a critical condition and it even collapsed. Therefore, I was forced to shelter under my relative's houses which were also small. During that period I never had peace since some of my family members were also forced to seek shelter elsewhere. I am now grateful because the money empowered me to own a decent house that can accommodate all my family members and we are living peacefully. Courtesy of GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some livestock which includes an ox and a dairy cow. These have been the well thoughtful living assets that I can lean in case of any financial crisis. I also bought some building materials such as iron sheets, building poles, timber, and nails. This was for the construction of a new house becasue the previous one has collapsed a few months ago. The remaining amount of money, I bought enough foodstuffs for my family and nice clothes.
Enrolled
access_time 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My ambition has been to build my own house but due to inadequate capital this dream has never emerged. I have been staying in my son's house after mine collapsed in 2019. This has really stressed me because it lowers my dignity. I am planning to spend $ 60 constructing a spacious house which can accommodate me together with my grandchildren. Apart from the house am planning to invest $ 50 purchasing 1 ingenious dairy cow. I will be able to sale at least 10 litres of milk per day and earn $ 3 in a day. This will be a good source of income to sustain my family needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My most relaxing moment is in the evening. It is at this time when I have time to rest after a long tiresome day of cultivating my shamba.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship is lack of adequate money to cater for my needs. I am a widower who depend on my son who works as an alcohol harvester, this job earns $ 2 in a day. This is not enough to sustain all our needs.
