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?
One evening, I was surprised to see people full of excitement, buying food at the nearest shopping center. Curious, I asked them what was happening, and they told me that the GiveDirectly transfer had come. Earlier, I heard a message on my phone, but I didn’t check it because I couldn't read. So, I took a motorbike to Marigat to ask my son about the message, and when he confirmed that the money had arrived, I felt so happy. I knew right then that I wanted to buy a mattress.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before I received the unconditional cash from GiveDirectly, I had never slept on a mattress. I didn't realize how comfortable it could be until I finally bought one with the money I received. Now, when I wake up, I feel good and full of energy. I no longer have body aches that made me feel like I was aging too fast. At night, I get into bed and sleep so deeply. It feels amazing to be so comfortable, and I can't believe how happy I am. Every morning, I wake up feeling refreshed and over the moon, ready to take on the day. This simple change has made a huge difference in my life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my unconditional cash transfer wisely to improve my life. First, I bought four sheep for $80 because they multiply quickly. I already had four goats, so this will help me grow my livestock. Next, I purchased a mattress for $30. I had never owned a mattress since moving here and had been sleeping on sacks. Now, I sleep well every night, which makes a big difference in how I feel during the day. I also bought clothes for $30 because I wanted to look nice when going out. Before this, I didn't have beautiful clothes, and it affected my confidence. Now, I feel much better about myself and walk around with my head held high. Additionally, I bought two plastic chairs for $15 because I needed somewhere for visitors to sit when they come over. This has made my home feel more welcoming. Finally, I spent $16 on a water container to help with storage. Having enough water is important, especially during the dry season. With the remaining money, I bought household food items to ensure I had enough to eat. Overall, these purchases have improved my living conditions and made me feel happier and more secure.
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What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
My house is worn out and almost collapsing. I have been dreaming of renovating the house but I am struggling financially. When I receive the transfers from GiveDirectly, I will prioritize building a habitable house with $300. This means a better living condition for me and my household. I will invest $160 on maize farming, it will help me build food resilience for my family. It will also allow me to engage in other family chores and break my norm of working on casual jobs to feed my family. I will also use my remaining transfers to buy five sheep and food for the family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
It was in May when I got a job as a caretaker in a maize plantation. This was a sign of relief for me, I had been struggling to get a job without success. I managed to buy a goat and chicken with my earnings. This brought happiness to me.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
For the past five years, my health has never been good. This affects my ability to work and earn a living for my family. I end up selecting the light casual jobs which earns me about $2 a day. I need a budget of $3 a day to comfortably provide for my family. This difference is making me struggle and survive without other family wants or even skip meals. My financial challenge is making it difficult for me to renovate my house which is almost collapsing. This is embarrassing and shameful.
