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 alone when I received a message notification informing me that GiveDirectly had sent me $180. I was so happy and grateful! My first thought was to use the money to pay school fees for my children. This support would help ensure their education could continue without any interruptions, and it filled me with a sense of relief knowing I could meet this important need.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Since receiving cash from GiveDirectly, the biggest difference in my life has been the ability to prioritize my child’s education. By paying the school fees, I have ensured that my child can focus on their national examinations without any interruptions. This brings me immense comfort, knowing they are supported during such an important time.
Additionally, addressing our immediate food needs has greatly improved our daily lives. With enough food to eat, my family can go about our activities without the constant worry of hunger. Finally, purchasing the goat represents a step toward sustainability and financial stability. I feel empowered knowing that this investment will multiply and provide us with future resources. Overall, these changes have given me hope and a sense of security for my family’s future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving $180 from GiveDirectly, I returned to my previous plan for using the funds wisely. I allocated $60 to pay school fees for my child in form four, who is currently sitting for national examinations. It was crucial to ensure that their studies would not be interrupted, providing them with comfort during this important time. Next, I spent $40 to address our immediate food needs, ensuring that my family had enough to eat as we went about our daily activities. Finally, I used $60 to buy a goat, which symbolizes sustainability and remembrance. This goat will multiply, eventually growing into a larger herd that can provide additional income and resources for my family.
Enrolled
access_time 3 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Food is a priority for me, I plan to buy enough food for my family. We'll buy maize, beans, cooking oil, sugar and other food necessities. I'll then be able to focus on other things. It's really expensive to buy food daily. I plan to spend approximately $200 to settle food challenges. Additionally, buy some household items such as chairs or utensils.
My family is getting bigger and my one-roomed house is smaller. I plan to add an extra room to it. Due to the high cost of materials, hopefully I'll spend about $500. This means my family will have enough space to sleep and also for the young ones to study at night.
I believe in goat farming, they do well and been dependable for a long time. I understand it, and know its profitability. Will use the rest of the transfer to buy more goats. A goat is sold at about $50. It will secure my future income stream from their sales. Paying school fees and supporting my family needs won't be a challenge with enough goats.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have about ten goats, it's easy to graze due to enough space. We're able to milk the goats and make tea in the morning. It makes me happy seeing the goats grow in number, eventually I can sell to either educate my child or during emergencies.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My son is in secondary school, raising school fees is a challenge. I am a single mother, this means my children depend on me alone. Due to challenges in getting money to do farming, I am forced to lease my land to others. The income from leasing is lower. It leads to difficulty in educating my son. I believe he'll have a better future with a good education. I'm always worried that he may be sent home anytime to collect school fees, which I may not have. I mainly depend on casual jobs to support my family. It's hardly enough for a family of five.
