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?
This was the most happy moment I have ever had in my life. This meant so much to me. My life has been transformed for the better.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
So much has changed. I now live a happy life than before. I used to worry a lot because I am a poor person. I used my transfer to buy 20 iron sheets which I couldn't have managed to buy on my own. The money also enabled me to buy enough food for the household. I am so grateful for this.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am so grateful for the transfer. The transfer made me buy things I couldn't have managed on my own. I managed to buy 20 iron sheets. I also used the money to buy a mattress.
I had no food in my house and I managed to buy 3 bags of maize for food processing. The money was also use to buy kitchen utensils such as basins, plates, spoons and pots. I have saved part of the money to support my day to day needs.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Recieving this money means a lot to me.
I will be able to fix my house; my roof has collapsed due to the great winds we had a few days ago. I have been sleeping in the cold as the plastic that lines the thatched roof of my house is now ragged. I intend to buy iron sheets and some wood to have a nice and durable roof.
When I recieve this money I will be able to afford food. I sometimes go to sleep hungry. I am old now and being able to afford will give me strength to face each day.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I had a lot of joy when I recieved aid from my church six months ago. They saw my poor state and decided to improve my life by giving me fourteen tablets of soap, two packets of sugar and two packets of salt. I was happy and felt very cared for.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My house is very problematic. I feel unsafe with the rainy season fast approaching. I fear that I will get soaked in my own home. With my old age,
I am constantly sick but I have to work so that means a lot of walking to other villages where I do casual farming labour for surrounding villages. My big problem is that I am in pain each time I walk long distances because both my legs have problems. This leaves me hopeless and frustrated.
