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, and, as usual, when I went to sleep, I left my phone with my children. I have three of them who wake up early to go to day secondary school, and they use my phone as an alarm. In the morning, as they were leaving, they returned my phone and excitedly told me the good news – I had received money from GiveDirectly! When I checked, it was true; I had received $200. I was so happy and grateful. I shared the news with my husband, and together, we started planning how best to use it.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life since I started receiving cash transfers from GiveDirectly has been the positive change in my family life and the addition of a one more goat. Seeing everyone in my family happy with something as simple as a new pair of clothes fills me with joy; they truly feel included in this support.
On the other hand, owning a goat has given us something lasting to remember this help. This goat not only symbolizes the support we've received but also promises hope for the future by providing us with food and, eventually, an income source as it multiplies. Together, these changes have brought joy and optimism to our family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving the $200 from GiveDirectly, my husband and I sat down to carefully plan how best to use the money. We decided to focus this first transfer primarily on our children’s well-being. First, I used $90 to buy new clothing for everyone in the family. This has brought so much joy to our home – my children are happier, and they feel supported and cared for.
Next, we spent $50 to buy a new mattress for one of my sons, who had been sleeping on a torn, old mattress. This change has significantly improved his sleep quality and well-being, giving him better rest and comfort each night.
Finally, we decided to use $50 to buy a goat. This goat holds special meaning for us as a reminder of GiveDirectly’s support. It also serves as a sustainable food source by providing milk and, as it multiplies, could generate future income for our family.
Enrolled
access_time 3 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
We have a budget for the transfer, we plan to improve our living standards. That's buying household items such as bedding, clothes and chairs. It will improve comfort for my family. Will spend approximately $100 on this immediate need.
Our house is small and a family of eight is bigger. We plan to build an extra room extension on the current one. It will cost about $300. The cost is also dependent on the carpenter and current cost of materials. A bigger house will also give us privacy with my husband.
Education is also another necessity, we plan to set aside $300 for our three children in secondary school. It will cover for a year. I'll be happy knowing my children can study comfortably, and hence secure a better future.
Additionally, we need to invest in sheep keeping. They do well and are easy to manage. Buying five sheep is a good start. In the next few years the stock will expand. Their future sales will cover our children's education or even emergency needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
This season we planted one acre of maize, currently harvesting. We expect about 10 bags. This will feed us for the next one year. I am very happy since maize is a stable food.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Educating our children is a big challenge, three of them are in secondary school. The others are at the primary level. We believe education will bring them a better future, they can also get better jobs and assist us in the future. Depending on charcoal burning and casual jobs to pay school fees is an uphill task. It's stressful having your children at home while others are in school.
