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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.
Stages:
 
Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Aserena's Profile
Aserena's family
Aserena
landscapeCountry:
uganda
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
36
workCampaign
Standard Uganda
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
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?
My skin now looks good having having bought some smearing oil that I am using. My dressing has completely changed, when I put on my new clothes people struggle to recognise me because I look different. My family members now sleep well in an iron roofed house, on a bed and mattress. Previously, my life was miserable because I could not afford many things that I desired like clothes, food, school uniforms and fees.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly did well to give me and other members of my community an opportunity to benefit from the cash program. There is nothing GiveDirectly has done bad.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I used my second transfer for buying 14 iron sheets, timber, cement, a door, ventilators and for paying labour to construct an iron roofed house for my self.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1730250 UGX ($468 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
attach_money
 
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
My daily life has greatly changed in that I was able to buy a bed, three mattresses, four pairs of bed sheets, and a blanket that my family and I comfortably sleep on now as compared to before when we used mats for beds. My health and that of my family have improved as well since I can now afford a proper and healthy meal, proper clothing and general care. In the past, this was all a dream as we most of the days went without food, and had improper clothing because it was very difficult to raise money from just the casual labor we did as a family.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received my money, I felt so happy that I made joyous noise, danced and jumped around that I could not get back to sleep until morning.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my first transfer to buy some building materials such as iron sheets, cement, nails, sand, and bricks that plan to use for building when I get my next transfer. I then bought some house hold items like utensils, a bed, a mattress, bed sheets, a blanket and food that I used to feed my family. I also bought school uniform and paid fees for my four children.
 
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. I also hope to start up a mall business that can generate more income for my household. This will help me to take care of my children's education needs and any other demands of my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am happiest in the evening when I am seated with my sister-in-law. We are able to share our problems and encourage ourselves.
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 two children who are of school going age. Providing school uniforms, books and all other education needs is done by me yet I am a single parent. I do not have any income generating activity because the little that I am able to earn from casual labour can not be enough for me to start any. Life is just a hassle.