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 7 in the morning as I was heading to the dam then I realized that I had an unread message. Without wasting time, I decided to check its contents. I felt so happy after realizing I had finally received my first transfer and all my dreams were now achievable.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the fact that I now own two dairy cows. For all these years, I have been buying milk from my neighbors which were so costly. Most of the days my children could take tea without milk which was unhealthy. All has changed because am now getting plenty of milk from the two dairy cows which are for my family use, also I have been able to save the money used in buying milk. In addition to that, the remaining few liters I am selling them to my neighbors and generate an income that empowers me to cate to my daily needs.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying two dairy cows and goats. I have been willing to purchase them for so many years but I could not afford it since they were very costly. I then cleared a hospital bill for my children who have been unwell for so long. The remaining amount of money, I am using it in buying enough foodstuffs for my family and some other household items.
Enrolled
access_time 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Repairing my house by reinforcing it with stones has been my greatest ambition but due to the lack of adequate financial resources, this has remained a dead dream. My plan once I receive the transfers is to use utmost $250 to repair it and also cement the sitting room. My other plan is to buy 3 indigenous dairy cows at a cost of $450 so that I can have a long term project that will support my family's needs in the future. This will change my life for the better, a transformation that u have long wished.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is the happiest part of my day because I usually find myself relaxed. Unlike in the morning and afternoon hours when I am busy doing my tiresome activities of charcoal burning and farm work which make my day exhaustive.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My husband is ailing and he was admitted to the hospital due to urinary bladder malfunction. His ailing condition has taken away our joy as a family and I am always in deep thought about how life has been difficult without his support. I am forced to engage in odd jobs like charcoal burning which is labor-intensive so that I can earn my living. Therefore, financial constraints has been my biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life.
