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 from the shop at around 7 AM when my phone rang continuously. I decided to rush home and seek some assistance from my helper to check what the notification about. He confirmed to me that I had finally received my first transfer. I was overwhelmed with joy and started celebrating wth my family.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life that I can proudly mention so far is the fact that I am sleeping under a permanent house. The house that was initially my shelter was not in good condition at all. Its walls were weak and during the rainy season, they had to be renovated which was too expensive. Sometimes when it rains heavily, I had to seek shelter from my neighborhood. This was so stressful, I could not afford to purchase the required materials for it to be renovated permanently. I am now at peace since I will no longer worry especially during the winter seasons. All is well now courtesy to GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some building materials such as bricks, sand, and cement. This for the purpose of renovating my house which was almost collapsing. I wanted to transform it from a temporary to a permanent spacious house. During the rainy seasons, It was always a loss because the walls used to collapse. I had to call the mason and renovate it which was a bit expensive. I am now happier and hopeful because of the money that I have been using to renovate my house, I will save it for some other household needs. I also paid school fees for my grandchildren who are both in secondary school because I am the one taking care of them since they were young. I then bought goats as my assents which I can depend on just in case of any financial crisis. The little amount of money that had remained, I bought some foodstuffs.
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My muddy house has very weak walls that are almost collapsing. This situation gives me sleepless nights as I am afraid it might fall while am inside. It also get flooded during rainy seasons making it difficult to sleep peacefully. Receiving this money therefore means constructing permanent pillars to support it. In addition to this, I will purchase livestock for rearing that will generate income since I cannot engage in any productive work at my age.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning before I start any work. This is because my health problems get worse immediately I engage in any cumbersome activities. I therefore enjoy this moment before embarking on my duties.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Besides being old my health is also deteriorating. I always experience shortness of breath thus making it hard to even care for myself. However, I have no option since I am all alone. The only person who could help is my spouse but he is completely blind which means he needs my support too. I also have oedema that has caused my legs to swell and I cannot walk for longer distances. This condition has made my life very tough because I do not have money to seek medical care thus making poor health my biggest hardship.
