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 out looking after my farm when I received a notification on my phone, telling me that I had received $180. At first, I couldn’t believe it was true. I felt unsure, so I decided to buy some airtime to check if the money was really there. To my surprise, when I checked, I confirmed that the money had indeed been sent to me. I was so excited and couldn’t hold back my joy. My heart was full of gratitude, knowing how much this would help me.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life since I started receiving cash from GiveDirectly is that I now have two more sheep. Before, I had eight, and I’ve always wanted to increase their number because they will generate income and help me during emergencies if needed.
In addition to that, I was able to buy enough food, which helped my family get through a tough period with plenty to eat. I also managed to clear the small debt I had, and now I live peacefully without the stress of owing anyone. This support has made a huge impact on my life, bringing me closer to my goals and giving me peace of mind.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received $180 from GiveDirectly, the first thing I did was buy two sheep for $120. I love livestock, and I know they will multiply over time, which will be a great source of income in the future. It feels good knowing that this investment will help me and my family as the sheep grow in number.
I have three children, and with the difficult times we were facing, I thought it was important to buy food with $25 so that my family could have enough to eat. At that time, floods had swept away everything, and I had no harvest. This money provided much-needed relief, ensuring my family had food even in the midst of the flood disaster.
I also used $10 to clear a debt I owed at a local shop, where I had taken food on credit to feed my family. This was important because I wanted to stay in good standing with the shopkeeper, just in case I needed to rely on them for help again in an emergency.
The rest of the money went towards buying daily necessities for the household, helping us to live more comfortably during a challenging time. I am deeply grateful to GiveDirectly for this support—it made a big difference in helping us get through the floods and set us up for a better future.
Enrolled
access_time 4 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Financial independence is what receiving this money means. For the longest time, I have always desired to invest in farming on full time basis but due to lack of finances has been a challenge. I plan on farming capsicum and vegetables using the transfers and from it project on earning $1000. This money will enable me to build a two bed-roomed house for my family and live a better life.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In December, I planted an acre of maize during the Elnino rains. In January, I harvested 18 bags from which I earned enough money to purchase iron sheets which I plan to use to build a house. Am happy because my family has never lacked food since then.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The cost of living has gone so up recently and with an unstable source of income it is difficult to make ends meet. My wife and I rely on casual jobs to earn a living, but due to its uncertainty we hardly raise enough money to meet the basic needs of our family.
