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 received an sms notification on my phone and I became so happy and since I was not at home, I knew that the budget of acquiring materials shall be eased.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My life is now different in that we used to live in a small house which wasn't enough to accommodate my family. My children were at risk of getting burnt during the cold evening as they would converge at fireplace which is also cooking area. Through the money which I received, I managed to build a semi a permanent five room house which is much spacious. We now live happily in our new house.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The first transfer which I received from GiveDirectly I spent a large potion on purchasing building materials for completing a five-roomed timber house which I had started constructing with some saving which I had made before. I also spent part of it to buy two sacks of maize for consumption since we had poor harvest the previous year. The remaining amount I spent to buy clothing for my children, husband and myself.
Enrolled
access_time 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Construction of my house stopped to due to insufficient finances. My desire has been to complete the construction of my 3 bedroom house once I receive my transfer. I am planning to spend my first transfer to purchase 5 widows, 5 doors and labour changes. Also, I plan to use my second transfer in starting a cereals business that will be my investment in life.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is the happiest part of my day because I usually return from my job after spending the whole day at my work place. I normally get time to rest and meet my child at this time.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Being a single parent providing for the medical needs of my child who is suffering from epilepsy has been my biggest hardship. Am housekeeper earning 2 dollars per this income is not enough considering that my son need 30 dollars per month for purchasing medicine.
