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?
I was at home, doing laundry, when I suddenly heard my neighbors celebrating loudly. They had just received their transfers from GiveDirectly. Within moments, I heard the familiar notification sound. When I opened the message, there it was—my transfer had come through! I couldn’t believe it. It was such a beautiful and emotional moment for all of us in the community. I had been looking forward to this day, especially since now I could finally pay my children's school fees.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I can honestly say that receiving cash from GiveDirectly has made a huge difference in my life. Before, I used to struggle so much to pay my daughter's school fees. Just last term, I had to sell three sheep to raise the money, and even then, it was a huge struggle to make ends meet. But this term, with the transfer, I didn't have to struggle at all—it boosted me. Not only was I able to cover her fees without any hassle, but I also started a small business that allows me to earn money daily, helping me buy household necessities and sustain my family. It's like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, and I finally feel secure in my ability to provide for my loved ones.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used $100 to pay for my two children’s school fees. My daughter is in Form 1, and my son is in Grade 2. With this money, I managed to clear her school fee arrears and pay for this term as well. I didn’t want her to be sent home due to unpaid fees, so this was a huge relief for me. I also used $50 to start a small business selling fruits and blended juice. This was especially important because the floods had destroyed everything on our farm. Now, I have a way to earn some income and support my family. Additionally, I spent $20 on clothes for my children. They didn’t have nice clothes to wear when going out, and I wanted them to feel good about themselves. Finally, I used the remaining $30 to buy food items for our household. We had been struggling with food insecurity, and this money helped us restock essential food items. I feel more secure now, knowing that my children are fed and that I am working toward a better future for our family.
Enrolled
access_time 4 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I am struggling to pay school fees for my sister Selly who is in Maji maziri secondary school. This is giving me a sleepless night. I am happy that with the transfers from GiveDirectly, I will be able to clear school fees for the next term. This will cost $250 of the transfers. GiveDirectly's cash transfer rekindles my hope in farming after losing all my investment to flash floods in April. I will use $380 to plant maize crops which will help me provide enough food for my family. I also want to venture into livestock farming, livestock farming is not expensive and less risky. I will use $190 of the transfers to buy 5 sheep . This will increase our family income.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Our life has not been easy for the last six months after the horrific incident of flash floods. We are left counting losses. Despite the unbearable life, I am happy and motivated that I am healthy which gives me the energy to work and provide for my family of ten.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I was optimistic that my life would take a new turn after investing my savings on crop farming. I had planted maize crops on my six acre piece of land and this cost me about $1200. Things took a different turn in April when we experienced flash floods that swept all of my investment leaving me with nothing. The experience was saddening and killed my hope in farming. It is unfortunate that the incident marked a new beginning of family struggle and financial constraint. I am now struggling to pay school fees for my sister who is in secondary school.
