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?
On the afternoon of the 14th, while I was busy serving my customers at my small restaurant, I heard a message notification on my phone. I waited until I finished attending to them, then checked what it was about. To my surprise and joy, it was the GiveDirectly transfers! I could not believe it. At that very moment, one of the customers I had been serving also received his share of the transfer, and we shared the moment of happiness. I felt so relieved and excited, knowing that this money would finally help me boost my restaurant business, which had been struggling for a while.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference I have seen since receiving cash from GiveDirectly is the remarkable boost in my business. Before, I used to make a profit of about $15 a day, but now, I make up to $20 daily. The reason for this improvement is that I no longer have to take stock on credit. Back then, part of my daily earnings always went into paying off debts to my suppliers, which limited how much I could grow. Now, with the cash from GiveDirectly, I can purchase stock outright, which frees up more profit for me. With no debts to worry about, every cent I make from my sales is truly mine. I am no longer stressing about setting aside money to pay off what I owe. That extra $5 each day has made it easier to cover my family’s needs and even save a little bit for the future. My business feels more stable and reliable now, and I am grateful for that.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
In April, I found myself in a tight spot and had to borrow $100 from a close friend to pay my son’s school fees. He’s in Form 1, and I did not want him to be sent home for missing fees, as education is so important. The borrowed money helped, but I knew I had to repay her soon to avoid straining our friendship. So, when I received the cash transfer, I knew the first thing I had to do was pay her back, which I did, and in full. Next, I set aside $50 to cover my son’s school fees for this term. I did not want to take any chances of him missing classes and ensuring he stays in school gives me peace of mind. The remaining money went into my small restaurant business, which helps support our family. With $23, I bought a bale of baking flour, and for $8, I got cooking fat. These supplies ensure I can meet the demands of my regular customers and keep my business running smoothly. I feel relieved knowing my son is in school and my restaurant is stocked, allowing me to continue providing for my family.
Enrolled
access_time 4 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I am planning to spend $150 towards improving my food kiosk business so as to maximize profits, enough to sustain my family of 5. I will also purchase a generator pump for irrigation.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Dennis' grades have improved over the last few months. He studies in a nearby day school and being my first born, I promised him to transfer him to a boarding school if he betters his performance. This has made me happy that the struggles I go through as a single mother to provide my children quality education are paying off.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I operate a small food kiosk in the village. For the last 2 months I have hardly made profits due to tough economic times. Flash floods that swept into the village have rendered many people jobless because the farms they depended on for casual work were swept clean. Without money in circulation, the ripple effect has become dire to people in businesses. My worry is that with this kind of trend I would not be in a position to educate my 4 children.
