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?
As the clock struck 2 PM, I returned from a hearty lunch, and to my surprise, I discovered that my first unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly had arrived. Excitement bubbled within me as I handed my phone to my helper, eagerly anticipating the news of the generous sender. As my helper read aloud the message, a wave of relief and gratitude washed over me. The realization that I now possessed the means to afford comfortable bedding and fulfill a long-cherished dream of owning goats filled me with an indescribable joy. In that moment, the weight of financial uncertainty lifted, replaced by a newfound sense of security and the prospect of building a better future.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Since my spouse passed away a few years ago, I've assumed the responsibility of caring for our seven children entirely on my own. Devoid of external support, I turned to a charcoal business, scraping together about $1 a day to sustain our livelihoods. However, the constant struggle revolved around educating my children, a challenge that weighed heavily on my shoulders. The inability to afford their school fees was a persistent source of stress. It ached to witness my kids at home while their peers were attending school. The frustration of not being able to provide them with a basic education haunted me as a mother. Then, the transformative winds of change blew in the form of unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly. This support has been nothing short of a lifeline. For the first time in years, I find joy and relief in the fact that I can send my children back to school. It's a colossal shift from frustration to contentment, a testament to the profound impact that this support has had on not just my financial situation but, more importantly, on the hopes and dreams of my children.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving the money, I fulfilled a long-standing dream of owning livestock, particularly goats, given the favorable climate in my region. I invested in the future by purchasing a goat for $30. My hope is that this goat will not only provide companionship but also multiply in number through breeding. The prospect of having a growing herd gives me a sense of financial security, knowing that I can sell some of them if any unexpected financial constraints arise. Later on,I directed a portion of the funds, specifically $145, towards improving the quality of our sleep. For years, I had been enduring nights on traditional beds exposed to the elements. The purchase of a bed and mattress has been transformative. Now, I wake up feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle the day's tasks. Furthermore, I allocated $80 to pay the school fees for my two children in lower grades. Their education had been inconsistent due to financial challenges, and I worried about their academic performance. The support from GiveDirectly proved to be a timely intervention, ensuring that my children can focus on their studies. With the remaining amount, I secured food for my family of seven children, bringing a sense of relief and stability to our home. As a widow earning around $1 from selling charcoal, every bit of assistance goes a long way in ensuring the well-being and future prospects of my family.
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access_time 3 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
What I have desired most in my life is to have a modern bed and a mattress. This is because, I can't remember when I slept on these luxurious things. I always spend my nights on rugged beddings, a situation that never give me enough sleep. In addition, I always wake up in the morning with pain. What a life! Having a grant which is unconditional means a lot to me because I will have a chance to ensure I make my dream into reality. I, therefore, intend to spend $150 on this plan. I will also use the remaining amount of the first transfer to repair my house by plastering it's walls using cement. Achieving this will give me joy as it will transition my livelihood to better standards. On the other hand, I will use the other transfer to buy 1 indigenous dairy cow at $200. The balance will help me to support my children's education. Hence, this is generally what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In my life what is giving me hope is the support that I receive from my sons. Although they have families to take care of, I am so grateful about their support. This is because, whenever I lack food, they are always there to offer help despite their challenging jobs. Hence, I consider it has what has brought joy to me.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The lack of a reliable source of income in my household is basically what makes my life tough. At the moment, I have 3 children who are schooling and they depend on me to pay their fees. This has stressed me a lot because my casual activities does not earn me much, usually $2 in a day that I use to buy food. This means their education is affected most because they are mostly sent home. As a parent, I have been feeling the pain of watching them desperately at home. What a life of worries about their future!
