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 at my son's house when my daughter-in-law suddenly told me she'd just received her transfer from GiveDirectly. As we were talking, my grandson came running in with my phone and said, "Grandma, yours has also arrived!" I couldn't believe it at first, but when I checked, there it was—the money had come through. I was so happy, it lifted my spirits right away, even though I hadn’t felt well that day. I had been planning to buy some new household furniture, and now I knew I could go ahead and do it.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before I received the cash from GiveDirectly, I had never owned a chair in my entire life. I used to sit on stones outside my house, and whenever I had visitors, I would either sit on the ground or borrow chairs from my neighbors or children. It was embarrassing, but I had no choice. Borrowing had become so normal to me that it started affecting how I saw myself. I felt ashamed every time I had to ask for something as simple as a chair. Now, with the money I received, I was finally able to buy my chairs I can now welcome guests into my home with pride, knowing they have a place to sit, and I no longer feel the shame of asking others for help. This simple thing has restored my dignity, and it brings me so much joy to see my home slowly becoming more complete.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the cash transfer, the first thing I did was buy a metallic bed for $75. My old wooden bed was infested with bedbugs, and it became unbearable to sleep on. Wooden beds are difficult to fumigate and tend to harbor bedbugs, so I knew getting a metallic one would be a better long-term solution for hygiene and comfort. Next, I used $25 to have a tree cut down that was dangerously close to falling on my house. Every time it rained, I feared it might crash through the roof, and the thought of it kept me up at night. With the rainy season approaching, it was a risk I couldn’t afford to ignore. The remaining money helped me with a few essentials. I spent $40 on two chairs, a table, and a metallic box to store my clothes, which helped organize my living space. I also bought household goods for $12. Finally, I used $15 to buy shoes for my grandson and myself. Being able to address these urgent needs has brought me peace of mind, and I’m incredibly grateful for the assistance.
Enrolled
access_time 4 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
The transfer has been timely, I've been wondering how to support my family. I'm very excited about Givedirectly's help. I plan to use the first transfer to buy uniforms, a bed, clothes and food supplies.
Secondly, due to the bad state of my house. I plan to spend about $500 to improve it. This includes buying cement for the floor, iron sheets and wood to reinforce it. A good house will give me peace of mind and my grandchildren can study comfortably.
To sustain my family, I plan to also invest in chicken farming and add more sheep. The remainder of the transfer will help in setting up a chicken structure and adding two more sheep. A sheep costs $50. This investment will help me in the future. The chicken will provide me with eggs and can also be sold.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Sheep rearing has been my favorite since childhood. They do well here, breeding faster and fetching good prices. It's pleasant to own two now, I know in the next few years they'll grow in numbers. It makes me happy knowing I have something to depend on in the future for my grandchildren's education.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I live with my two grandchildren in a two roomed iron sheets house. It's in a bad state, with a leaking roof and mud floor. When it rains, it's difficult sleeping. We fetch water from inside using a container to reduce spillage inside. This has affected my family since we cannot sleep in peace, we're always worried about the next rainfall.
