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 work as a watchman at a nearby school when I heard my phone beep with a message. When I checked, I saw that I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly, and I felt a wave of happiness. I couldn't wait to get home the next morning to share the good news with my wife. My first thought was that we could finally pay for our two children's upcoming school trip, something we did not have money for.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My two children had an academic school trip coming up, but I didn’t have the money to pay for the required cost, and I felt devastated. It broke my heart to think about them missing out on this opportunity, knowing they would feel left out and alone while their classmates went. I could see the sadness in their faces as they expressed their disappointment, and it was unbearable for me as a parent. Thankfully, the cash from GiveDirectly came just in time; there was only one day left before the trip! We were able to pay for their trip cost, and seeing their faces light up with happiness was a moment I will cherish forever.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving my first transfer was a relief, and my first priority was to pay for a school trip for our two children, who were on the verge of being locked out due to unpaid fees. The trip cost $15 per child, and I could not imagine how they would feel if they missed out on this opportunity. Additionally, I gave my wife $40 to buy clothes for the children since their clothes were worn out. I also gave her $60 to purchase a bed and mattress for our children, as they had been sleeping on the floor on a worn-out mattress, which was unsafe due to the risk of snakes. Now, I no longer have to pray for their safety every night. Knowing they are sleeping well on a new bed and mattress gives my wife and me peace. With the remaining $70, I addressed another pressing concern: food. After we were displaced by the floods, starting over has been challenging, especially since my wife is currently unemployed and my income is limited. We bought food that sustained us for a while, and I am grateful to say that we still have some left. For the first time in a while, I did not have to worry about food, allowing me to focus on other needs. Thank you, GiveDirectly.
Enrolled
access_time 3 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
When we first heard of Givedirectly coming to our village, we were overjoyed. I've seen other people benefit from the transfers from the neighbouring villages. We discussed with my wife that we first sort our immediate needs with the first patch of $200. We hope to buy food, clothes and other household items.
The second and part of the third transfer will help us improve our house. It's in a bad state and small for a family of six. We plan to build another one roomed house beside this one. It can cost approximately $600 depending on the cost of materials. It means my family will have enough rooms and the children can study alone in a different room.
Since goats do well here, we plan to replenish our current stock. The remainder of the transfer will serve this. A goat costs about $80. They will breed and support my family with additional income.
What is the happiest part of your day?
We have four goats, they are doing well and I am optimistic they can breed faster. Goats can give birth twice a year. It means they can expand faster. It gives me joy knowing one day I'll have a good number of goats. It will help me meet my expenses in the future.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Jobs are difficult to get here, and even when one's lucky, it hardly pays well. I work as a watchman at the local primary school. I'm paid quarterly, which cannot support my family. The amount is about $150. It can only buy food for my family. My wife is forced to look for casual jobs which are low paying. When she gets a job, she can earn $3 a day. It only buys food and we cannot fully meet other household needs such as school fees or even improving our house. Our children are sometimes sent home due to fees balances accumulated.
