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 biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the fact that I now own some goats as my living assets that I did not have before. They have been my well thoughtful assets for years but I could not afford due to the poverty that had stricken my household. I settled in purchasing them because they reproduce twice a year as they mature faster compared to the other domestic animals. I am hopeful that in the next three months, they will help me in meeting my future financial goals without straining like before.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 5 AM when my mobile phone started vibrating. Without wasting time, I decided to check who it be, I realized that it was the message that I have been anxiously waiting for. I was overwhelmed with joy because I knew my life will never be the same again.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some building materials such as iron sheets and timber. This was purposely for the construction of a new house because the previous one was very small and it could not fit all my family members. I also bought some livestock such as goats that I can lean on in case of any financial difficulties. The remaining amount of money, I bought enough foodstuffs for my family and some other household items that I was lacking.
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My single roomed house is too small to accommodate my family of 9. This has forced my husband to find shelter in our neighbour's house. This is due to our culture which forbids a man to share a room with his mother and daughters. Besides, it is in a very risky condition that is not fit for human life. Some of the walls have collapsed and others are following suit. The roof is partly made of grass and some loose iron sheets that held with poles. This situation has made owning a better house to be my biggest ambition. I will therefore use this transfer to achieve the same.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening. This is after a great hustle of doing casual jobs. I spend the entire day without food and I only get it at dusk. Putting something on the table brings so much joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is my biggest hardship. This results from inconsistent rainfall patterns that makes it difficult to get enough food from the farm. We are therefore required to supplement from the shops for the better part of the year. However, due to financial instability it is very difficult. Currently my family operates on one meal a day because I have to work the whole day to raise that packet of maize flour. It is very hurtful to see the children suffering this much.
