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 biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference that the money has brought into my daily life is that I now own livestock which I never thought of getting one day in my life. I know through the pair of oxen, then I am assured of timely cultivation and early planting so as to obtain abundant yields to feed my family.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I had already woken up for my day's chores when I heard a message notification from my phone. On checking to confirm its contents, I was instantly filled up with happiness and overjoyed as I went through it. When I realized that it was from GiveDirectly that I had received my first transfer, I was thankful to receive the money for which I had not worked to earn it.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I have been using handy farming tools that were tiresome and inefficient and through them, I could only manage to till a small piece of my land. To achieve a bigger piece then I would hire from neighbours which were costly for me. Through the transfer, I bought a pair of oxen that would boost my farming since with them I will be able to increase my acreage and manage early and timely cultivation and planting. I also bought seven goats which to me, is the biggest investment that I have acquired and I am hopeful that they will increase in number and some years to come I will be having many of them. Through them, my children's education will be catered for. I also used a small percentage to pay for my children's school fees in order for them to be allowed in school and continue with their studies comfortably. I spent the rest of the transfer on food and for the basic necessities for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My daughter finished class eight last year but due to limited financial resources I was not able to enroll her in a secondary school. Receiving this money will help me take her for a tailoring course in Bamba that she has always desired and which will be much more affordable for me. I will also buy her a sewing machine, fabrics and thread so she can start making clothes for people and earn from it thus boosting our household income.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Afternoon makes the happiest part of my day because it is when I go to Mariango shopping center to sell vegetables and I am always assured of making some money that will enable me afford an evening meal for my children.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Since my husband died two years ago, life has not been the same. He was the breadwinner and worked two jobs, herding and charcoal burning, just to make sure we had food on the table, clothes on our backs and that our children went to school. My work of selling vegetables does not earn me enough to take care of all our needs, my children's education being most affected. The farm on which we also depend on for food has been disappointing due to low rainfall in the area. If only I had the necessary financial resources, I would be able to sufficiently provide for my family.
