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 that getting the money enabled me to meet the medical expenses that I was not able to due to financial constraints. It is only through the financial support from GiveDirectly that enabled me to take my son to the hospital and hopefully, he will get well and go back to school again. Seeing my son continue with his medication always makes me a happy parent and I now worry less since he is on medication unlike before.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was woken up by a message on my phone early in the morning. On checking to confirm who the sender was, the message was from GiveDirectly informing me that my first transfer had finally been sent. I was filled with happiness at that instant and I am thankful to GiveDirectly for fulfilling their promise to us.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer on paying for my sons' medication. He is suffering from a stroke which has made him drop out of school for further medication. Meeting the cost of regular medical check-up and other expenses was difficult for me. The coming of GiveDirectly restored my hopes and my son is recuperating on well. The support from GiveDirectly has enabled me to clear his medical expenses. In addition, I also bought four goats which am hoping they will reproduce and increase in number and in times of financial crisis, I will have something to depend on them. In addition to these, I had a pair of oxen only that I lacked an ox plough, hence I used to borrow from my neighbours to help me in farming. However, on receiving my transfer, I bought my own ox plough and I am happy that I will no longer be borrowing. I also paid school fees for my children for them to continue with school without any hindrance on fees. Lastly, I purchased a small solar panel to replace the old lamps I was using and will be a source of lighting to my household and also for my children to study comfortably.
Enrolled
access_time almost 6 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a relief from financial constraints for my family. Seeing my son through his illness has been my greatest desire that has never materialised due to financial constraints. With this money, I will set up a general shop that will serve my neighbours. With this, I foresee a situation where I will generate good profits and save for my son's treatment.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My day usually begins at 5am when I wake up to prepare my children for school and to complete household chores before I head out to the farm where I will work until 1pm. Thereafter, I take a short break to rest. And so afternoon is my happiest part of the day because come evening I have to ensure there is firewood and water in the house. These tasks are time consuming and tedious and so I feel very happy when I get little time in the afternoon to rest.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
For over eight years now, we have had to contend with a terminal illness that has drained off our finances. Our son suffered a complex limb condition that has not only left him paralysed but continues to consume every little resources that we acquire. This has made it difficult for us to cater for other needs such as food and education for his other siblings. Life has been so tough.
