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 5 pm, I was at home busy washing the children while preparing dinner for the family. This was the norm of the day before continuing with my business of selling fried fish. For all that time, my phone was on charging inside the house. Later after completing the chores, I switched on the phone. I noticed that I had received messages indicating that I received my money from GiveDirectly. I was very happy about receiving the transfer since at first, I doubted the program. I was very sure that through cash aid, our living conditions would be transformed for the better.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life is that currently, we are joyful that we spent our nights on better and more comfortable bedding. Our children no longer sleep on the flood and not complaining of sink swelling due to the maggots bites. Additionally, I was able to boost my business. Through that, I earn $5 more per day which helps me to comfortably support the education of my kids.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I reside in a small, mud-walled home with my spouse and 7 kids. We have been sleeping on an old, ripped mattress while our kids slept on the floor with rags for many years. Due to prolonged sleeping on the floor, our children are frequently affected by maggots on their skin. I had desired to provide the family with quality bedding, but I was unable to do so because of our financial position. I spent $490 after receiving my transfer on buying proper, modern bedding, including 4 beds and 4 mattresses. In addition, I invested $50 to expand my business of selling fried fish. Right now, I am happy making a profit of $5 on average per day. This income is enough to cater for the daily expenses of the family like food.
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have desired to invest in livestock to act as my reliable source of income in the future because I will be able to sell and support my 7 children's education. To ensure this comes to reality, I intend to spend $350 to buy 10 goats and since they multiply fast, I am confident of fully supporting them in school. This will guarantee them a better future since they will have the opportunity to get decent jobs once they are done with their studies. On the other hand, I intend to install underground water pipes to my home to have easy access to clean and safe water for my household consumption. To offset this water problem, I will spend $200 of my money. The remaining amount will help me to buy new bedding for my family as well as to expand my business.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My new job! In October, I decided to venture into the business of selling fish. Since I didn't have the starting capital, I had to borrow a small loan of $30 to start the business. Although my job is yet to pick up well, I am so happy to find myself engaged in an income-generating activity. Therefore, I consider my work as my source of joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Imagine my children sleeping on the floor due to a lack of money to buy decent bedding! This has affected them since they can not enjoy their nights and also, has negatively impacted their performances. This has lowered my self-esteem as a mother and seeing them on the floor at night makes me shade tears but again, I am just helpless to them. Thus, I consider financial instability as my biggest challenge.
