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?
The joy I felt when I learned I had received funds from GiveDirectly is truly indescribable. I was on my way home from the farm when my phone suddenly rang. Curious, I checked the message and was thrilled to see the uplifting news that GiveDirectly had provided me with financial support. Immediately, I called my son to share the exciting news, and he was just as delighted as I was. I realized that with this support, I could finally pursue my dream of harvesting maize from the farm. I am deeply grateful for this cash transfer, which was given to me without any discrimination. The way GiveDirectly ensures equal and respectful treatment for everyone is commendable. This support has opened up new possibilities for my family, and I can't thank them enough for their help.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I am so happy that I no longer have to take on casual work to support my family. This is such a big relief compared to before when I had to burn charcoal and do other hard jobs just to earn extra money. The support I have received has made a huge difference in my life, allowing me to focus more on my family and less on exhausting work. I am truly grateful for this help, which has significantly improved our lives. It feels wonderful to have some stability and not constantly worry about making ends meet.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a widow with five children, and I rely on farming and selling charcoal to provide for my family. The support from GiveDirectly came at the perfect time because I was just about to harvest my maize from the farm. I used part of the transfer, about $169, to buy maize bags and pay for labor, and cover the cost of using a tractor for the harvest. This made the whole process much easier and more manageable. With the remaining amount, I bought other food items like beans to keep us going. I am so happy because everything went exactly as I had planned, and the support helped me achieve what I needed. For that, I am forever grateful to GiveDirectly.
Enrolled
access_time 5 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I am a widow, and being the only breadwinner for my family has not been easy. I depend on charcoal burning to put food on the table and it is not enough. I am forced to borrow money which puts me in so much debt that I am unable to repay on time. I will use the transfers to clear school fees in arrears of $200 to ensure they stay in school full-time. The rest of the transfers will go into purchasing goats and house repair. I am thankful to God for Give directly will help my family lead a better life.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Seeing my children and grandchildren doing well in their studies is what makes me happy. I have a son and grandson at secondary school and my desire is to see them live a better life than mine. I work hard each day to ensure they do not lack their basic needs.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of a stable source of income is a challenge. I depend on charcoal burning to earn a living,but due to old age I get two sacks in a week which earns me 10$ in a week. That amount is not enough to cater to all my children's basic needs hence an increase in school fees arrears.
