How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My most pressing need had always been to construct a respectable dwelling, having endured years in a modest grass-thatched hut. The idea of residing in a house with a sturdy iron roof felt like a distant dream. However, thanks to the financial support I received, I was able to turn that dream into reality. I successfully built a comfortable iron-roofed house, putting an end to my concerns about rain and adverse weather conditions. This new home is a significant improvement over my previous shelter. Buoyed by this positive change in my life, I am now contemplating expanding my livestock holdings. Currently, I have four goats, all of which I acquired through the support program. My goal is to further develop this asset by allowing them to reproduce, ultimately increasing their numbers. It's heartening to finally possess assets that I can proudly call my own, all thanks to this program.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The program has brought immense benefits to many of us, particularly in addressing pressing needs that once appeared insurmountable. Thanks to this program, we now have new and improved shelters, our children are enjoying a more comfortable educational experience, and, perhaps most significantly, we have acquired livestock, which is considered the most valuable asset in our impoverished region. Achieving these positive changes on our own would have been an uphill battle, but the program has been a transformative force in our lives. All these remarkable improvements can be directly attributed to the support we received through the program. In my perspective, GiveDirectly should continue its commendable work of elevating individuals and communities out of poverty, as it has undeniably made a substantial and positive impact on our lives.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I want to express my profound gratitude to GiveDirectly for their incredible support, which has completely transformed my life in a remarkably short time. Until recently, I was living in a humble grass-thatched hut and the prospect of having a decent home seemed like an unattainable dream until GiveDirectly came. I had spent countless hours replacing the worn-out grass on my roof, and whenever it rained, the leaks were uncontrollable, making my home far from comfortable. Now, I find solace in my new house with a sturdy iron roof, all thanks to the unwavering support from GiveDirectly. My dream of owning a better house has finally become a reality. I purchased building materials such as iron sheets, building poles, and paid for labor, making this transformation the most significant one I've experienced. In addition to building a house, I also acquired goats, the primary source of wealth for those of us living in poverty in my region. Meaningful employment opportunities that can adequately cover our basic needs, such as food, are scarce. I always harboured a deep desire to raise goats someday. With my recent transfers, I decided to invest $120 in purchasing three goats, which I am currently tending to. These goats represent a crucial asset for me, and as they reproduce, I plan to sell their offspring, thereby generating additional income. Furthermore, the transfers have provided much-needed relief in terms of purchasing enough food for my family.