Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
While I was working on the farm, I suddenly saw a message on my phone that made me incredibly happy. I hadn’t told anyone about receiving the money because it felt like my little secret, so I kept my joy to myself. My heart was filled with excitement, and my first thought was to buy plastic chairs since we had no chairs at home. It was a simple wish, but it meant so much to me and my family. Knowing that I could finally provide something for us made me feel like I was making progress. I couldn’t wait to share this good news with my family when I got home!
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before receiving the cash transfer, getting enough food for my family was really tough. We often struggled to put meals on the table and sometimes ate only once a day. It was stressful for me to see my children hungry and not having enough to eat. However, everything changed after I received the transfer. Now, we can afford to eat three meals a day, which has made a huge difference in our lives. My family is much happier, and I feel relieved knowing that they are well-fed. This support has truly improved our daily life and brought joy back into our home.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The moment I received the cash transfer, a wave of hope washed over me, knowing this was a chance to change my family's life for the better. I immediately spent $35 on plastic chairs and $10 on a table, creating a proper space for my children to study and for us to share meals together. Having these simple yet essential items made a profound difference in our home, allowing us to gather as a family and bond over our daily lives. I felt a deep sense of pride knowing that I could finally provide a comfortable area for my kids to read, eat, and feel at home. Furthermore, I used $30 to pay for my child's school fees. Before this, I struggled to raise enough money for their education, often resorting to burning charcoal, which was exhausting and filled with uncertainty. Now, I can finally breathe easy, knowing my child can attend school without the fear of being sent home for unpaid fees. Additionally, I spent $20 on cooking pots, as our few utensils made cooking a challenge. With these new pots, preparing meals became more manageable, allowing us to enjoy better food together as a family. Lastly, I allocated $20 for clothes to enhance our appearance, which lifted our spirits and boosted our self-esteem. With the remaining $50, I bought food, a necessity since my husband and I relied on casual jobs to put meals on the table. When work was scarce, we often went to bed hungry, but now we can savor regular meals together as a family. This cash transfer has lifted a heavy burden from my shoulders, and I am truly grateful for the support that has transformed our daily lives into something brighter and more hopeful.