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.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am currently facing a major challenge due to a lack of capital to expand our farming operations. Our family relies on farming for our livelihood, but financial constraints have prevented me from diversifying our crops. Recently, we faced a setback when flash floods washed away one acre of the maize I had cultivated on our three-acre plot. I am eager to replant on this land, but without the necessary finances, it has been impossible.I am worried that this year's yields will be significantly lower than our usual 75 bags in a good season. It is frustrating to see our hard work threatened by circumstances beyond our control.
What is the happiest part of your day?
When the flash floods hit my village Loldama, they washed away a significant portion of my farm, resulting in a big loss for my family of seven. However, despite this setback, we are grateful that a portion of our farm (2 acres) remained intact, giving us hope for a good harvest in August 2024. Unlike many of my neighbors whose farms were severely affected, we were fortunate that our farm was not as adversely impacted. I constantly feel grateful for this silver lining amidst the challenges we face.
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
As a parent, my greatest wish is for my children to pursue their studies without any interruptions. Unfortunately, the flash floods two months ago destroyed our maize crop, which I rely on to pay their school fees. With the harvest looking low and the urgent need to support their education, I am determined to find a way to cover their fees.Thanks to GiveDirectly's support, I plan on spending $300 towards school fees for my daughter in grade 9. Additionally, I intend to invest $300 in cultivating watermelon on our two acres of land. This crop will not only provide income but also ensure food security for our family of seven.The remainder of the transfer will be spent on acquiring dairy cows. This investment will not only supply us with food but also generate additional income over time. These steps are crucial in sustaining our livelihood and ensuring that my children can continue their education uninterrupted despite the recent challenges we have faced.
