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 was chilling at home, seeking refuge from the blazing sun at 3 pm when my phone buzzed with a message. Curiously, I checked and found a confirmation from GiveDirectly that the promised money had been sent to my phone. A rush of happiness flooded me, and I couldn't wait to share the news with my husband. Together, we could bask in this newfound relief, imagining a future where our family wouldn't have to endure leaky roofs and discomfort during the rainy season as in the current situation we were in.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Receiving monetary assistance from GiveDirectly was a turning point in my life. Before, I struggled to make ends meet with only occasional work, while my husband's salary from the municipal council barely covered our family's basic needs. Our home had a leaking and almost open roof that I couldn't afford to fix all at once. However, with financial support, I was finally able to purchase the necessary iron sheets to repair the roof, ensuring that my family had a safe and secure shelter. This act not only alleviated the constant worry about the roof collapsing but also brought a newfound sense of stability and security to our lives. Now, we can rest easy knowing that our home is protected from the harsh weather, and I can focus on finding more sustainable ways to support my family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After receiving the money from GiveDirectly, I wasted no time in addressing the most pressing issue in my home which is the leaky roof. I invested $207 in purchasing 18 pieces of iron sheets, along with $9 for three pieces of ridges and $76 for roofing poles, totaling $292. The roofing contractor, whose labor charge amounted to $150, skillfully transformed our grass-thatched roof into a sturdy iron sheet one. With the renovation complete, I felt immense relief knowing that my family and I no longer had to endure the discomfort and inconvenience of a leaking roof. Thanks to GiveDirectly, our home was now secure and comfortable, shielding us from harsh weather conditions.
In addition to the roof renovation, I decided to improve our sleeping conditions by investing $100 in a modern standard bed and a comfortable mattress. Previously, we endured nights of restless sleep on a small, uncomfortable traditional bed. Now, with the new bed and mattress, I find myself drifting off into peaceful slumber, waking up refreshed and ready to face the day ahead. This upgrade has significantly enhanced our quality of life, and I am grateful to GiveDirectly for providing us with the means to make these essential improvements.
Enrolled
access_time 4 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
My house! Currently, it is not in good condition because it is grass-thatched and half-open at the roof. This has disturbed my mind especially during the season since I used to occasionally change my bed positions. My plan is to ensure this becomes a problem of the past and I intend to spend $550 to settle this. On the other hand, I will buy 4 goats at $200 to add my stock for future use. The remaining amount will help me to seek proper medical attention for my arthritis problem. Hence, this is generally what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Food availability is something that I am happy about because, currently, my 2-acre piece of land is now full of green maize. This means, my household will be food-secure for the next 5 months. This is something that has never happened to me since I used to get harvests that could take me utmost 1 month. Hence, this is what has brought me joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
In the last 2 years now, my life has had challenges because of arthritis problem. This has made me feel so much pain and since my work involves taking care of goats, it is so challenging. Sometimes, doing my daily chores becomes difficult and I have wanted to get treatment, a wish that has not come to fruition due to financial challenges. Hence, my health problem is the biggest challenge that has made my life harder.
