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?
The moment I received my transfer, I can distinctly remember that I was at home, busy with the house chores, when my son shared remarkable news with me. He joyfully informed me that the long-awaited transfer from GiveDirectly had finally arrived. It was indeed the happiest day of my life, and I was filled with overwhelming joy and gratitude. The excitement was beyond measure, realizing that this transfer marked the beginning of my long-held dream to build a respectable home for myself. The arrival of the funds brought immense happiness into our lives, and we will forever grateful.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
This support has played a crucial role in facilitating the acquisition of a sack of maize, a precious resource that ensures a consistent and abundant food supply for my household. This stands in stark contrast to the past when we lived on a hand-to-mouth basis. It signifies a notable departure from the hardships we once faced, where the constant struggle to meet ends was fueled by unreliable sources of income. Additionally, I bought building materials so that I can renovate my house. I am filled with overwhelming gratitude for the support we've received, as it has significantly enhanced our overall quality of life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving the transfer, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to acquire crucial building materials for constructing a decent house, a dream that financial constraints had previously hindered. Due to my advanced age, working is a challenge, and I rely on my children and small-scale farming for sustenance. As a widow living alone, I dedicated $113 to purchase building materials, including iron sheets and nails. Additionally, I set aside $14 for future needs. The remaining $73 was wisely used to procure essential food items like maize, vital for our well-being. I am delighted to now have an ample food supply at home, a significant improvement from the past when affording even one meal a day was a challenge. Thus, I am forever grateful for the positive change in our circumstances.
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access_time 5 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Receiving this money means a better living for the remaining years of my life. My children have been spending a lot of money taking me to the hospital and buying drugs. With the transfers, I will seek better medication which will help me enjoy good health. I am thankful to God for the money from Give directly has come at the best time. I will then use the rest of the transfers to buy food and a fence for my compound.
What is the happiest part of your day?
When my grandchild graduated from the University a month ago, I was overjoyed. Since I did not get a chance to go to school , their success gives me joy and I am hopeful that they will lead a better life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
For the past ten years, I have been sickly and I rely mostly on my children to provide for me. My health has deteriorated due to old age and I cannot do even household chores. Each month I spend about two days in the hospital seeking costly medication. I pray to God for better health so that I can live to see my grandchildren succeed.
