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.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Without money, life can be very hard. Living alone, I depend on charcoal burning to earn a living. On a good week, I earn $80, which all goes towards food for the household and supporting my elderly mother. However, after the floods, I had to reduce my charcoal burning activities as my health was deteriorating due to malaria. Now, I rely partly on my nephew for help and sometimes take on casual jobs when I am able. This situation has severely affected my financial stability, and it saddens me to see my family's financial status decline. The struggle to make ends meet has become even more challenging, and I hope for better days ahead.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Even though we were adversely affected by the floods and our livelihoods were cut short, I am glad I have never lacked food to eat. In addition, my health has improved after I received treatment for malaria one week ago. Now, I can attend casual jobs as I look for money to purchase food. I am especially grateful to my nephew, who has been my support system throughout this challenging time. His help has been invaluable, and it brings me comfort knowing I can rely on him as I work to rebuild our lives.
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Diversification of income-generating activities seems to be the best option in times of need. As someone who solely depends on charcoal burning to earn a living, I am heavily impacted by floods. My wish has always been to own goats, but I did not have the finances to purchase any, as the income I earn all goes towards food and supporting my elderly mother.
It is a sigh of relief now with the transfers, as I plan to spend $200 on goats. They mature fast and will therefore act as a valuable investment for me. This diversification will provide a more stable source of income and reduce my vulnerability to the impacts of floods.