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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
1662250 UGX ($450 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The cash transfers empowered me to construct a permanent house. Being a jobless widow with no income generating activity, I would not have constructed a house. It was very hard to access grass for thatching the house coupled with the termites that have eaten up the house roof.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly does well to send the needy unconditional cash transfers that have empowered very many people. GiveDirectly does well not to listen to rumours in the community. They always investigate and resolve cases amicably. I am very grateful that most people utilized the cash transfers very well. There is nothing that GivecDirectly has not done well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I purchased iron sheets and bricks. Then I paid the builders with part of the cash transfer.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1730250 UGX ($469 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
My standard of living has changed for the better in that, I am now sleeping on a decent mattress and a bed. previously, I slept on very old mattress and a bed that were very uncomfortable. Furthermore, I have bought construction materials that I intend to use for constructing an iron roofed house. I am planning to start up with the construction once I receive my second transfer. when completed, I expect to be relieved from the burden of looking for grass twice annually for renovating my hut.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment received my money, I became very happy because I had got the money to pay off the debt and buy construction materials.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my first transfer to pay off a debt worth UGX 500,000, bought 12 pieces of iron sheets at UGX 360,000, bricks at UGX 640,000 and UGX 200,000 I bought a bed and a mattress.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means I will be able to build an iron roofed house.
The one that I sleep in leaks when it rains.
With this same money, I also hope to buy beddings and other household items.
If I am able to get all these, life will be better for me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the noon time when I have had a meal.
It is an achievement.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship that I am faced with is lack of money.
I have a very small piece of land which does not sustain my family well.
At the same time, I am too poor to buy more that would supplement on what is available for use.
In my condition as a widow, I do casual labour to find atleast something to eat. I can not save anything because what I am able to earn is usually little.
I am left wondering how my future and that of my son will look like.
Sometimes I am forced to think that may be life would be better if I had a man in my life.