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?
It was on 14th June when I had gone to the farm, and upon returning home, I decided to check my phone. The moment I saw the message informing me that I had received the transfers from GiveDirectly, I was overwhelmed with excitement. I immediately shared the news with my husband, who was puzzled at first by my laughter. His confusion quickly turned into joy, and together we began to plan how we would use the money to build a new house, as the one we were currently living in was falling apart.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Ever since we received the unconditional cash from GiveDirectly, the biggest difference I've seen in my life is the relief from the constant worry about our home. I used to be tired of repairing the roof of the house we lived in because it seemed like every four months we had to fix it again. Now, with the money, I've been able to build a new house with an iron roof. This means I won't have to do those frequent repairs anymore, and I'm no longer scared of the rainy seasons and leaking roofs. I can finally relax and let nature take its course without the stress of water seeping into our home.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the transfer, I wanted to spend it to improve our living conditions and I used $270 to buy iron sheets to roof our house and $100 to buy posts and frames. This investment was crucial because the house we currently live in has a leaking roof, making the rainy season a dreaded time for my family. I then spent $70 to pay for a mason who constructed our new house. Although the structure is up, we still need to smear it with mud and install windows and doors. I spent $20 to get birth certificates for my two children, which were urgently needed for their school enrollment. This was a significant relief as we had been struggling to find the money for these documents. I also used $30 to buy food items that will be used when my friends come to help me with the smearing of the house this coming Saturday. This community effort is something I am really looking forward to, as it will bring us closer together and complete our home. With the remaining $60, I plan to buy two goats. These goats will serve as assets that I can sell in case of emergencies, providing a safety net for my family. Overall, the cash transfer has enabled me to take significant steps towards securing a better future for my family, improving our living conditions, and ensuring that my children can continue their education without interruptions.
Enrolled
access_time 6 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Despite my desire to construct a better house, financial constraints have prevented me from doing so. I'm planning to spend $ 700 to construct a 3 rooms house which is suitable family of 4. With the remaining funds, I intend to venture into business ( kiosk) and livestock keeping to generate an additional income to that of my husband who is a wine tapper.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Welcoming my bundle of joy, Christine 3 days ago makes the happiest moment for my family. Despite the challenges and complications throughout the pregnancy journey, including giving birth to her before due date, I'm glad that she is doing well and praying for the continued good health.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I used to operate a food kiosk in the village, providing fast food and supporting my family of 4 comfortably. However, last year, I began experiencing chests pains forcing me to stop working . Now, we are solely depending on my husband income as a wine tapper, which the earnings averages around $4 . Unfortunately, this is insufficient to cater for all the basic needs such as shelter and school fees. Therefore, financial challenges have become the primary issue.
