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 still vividly recall the moment I received a text notification informing me that I had received $200. I was deeply engrossed in the task of harvesting maize when my phone suddenly began to ring. As I checked the notification, I was rendered speechless. It revealed that GiveDirectly had sent me money. Overwhelming feelings of joy and gratitude washed over me, especially considering that this support arrived at a time when we least expected it. It brought an immense sense of relief, as I realized that we could now work towards achieving our goals. Without delay, I shared this wonderful news with my wife, who was equally elated. Thus, we promptly embarked on the process of planning our next steps.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life has been the opportunity to enclose my land, enabling me to cultivate mangoes. This newfound capability allows me to manage other tasks without the constant need for farm surveillance, unlike the current situation where people must watch over their farms all the time. I am genuinely grateful for the support that has brought about such a positive change in our quality of life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving my first transfer, I made a deliberate choice to allocate the funds toward realizing a long-held dream of fencing my land to cultivate mangoes, thereby protecting it from intrusion by goats. This endeavor had proven challenging in the past due to inconsistent sources of income, as it required a significant investment. My wife is currently pursuing her college education, and I, alongside our farming activities, occasionally engage in casual jobs in the county. Together, we are blessed with a child. With the $100, we were able to successfully fence our land. In addition, we spent $42 for plastic chairs, $38 for clothing, and $20 for school fees. These accomplishments have filled me with profound gratitude, contentment, and joy.
Enrolled
access_time 2 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
When I lost my formal job, I used the savings that I had to invest in farming. However, the money was not enough to purchase all the farming materials like a generator hence reduced yields due to lack of sufficient water in the farm. I am so happy because the transfers from Givedirectly will see me achieve this ambition and do farming on a full-time basis. I will use $350 to purchase a generator and water pipes for a consistent supply of water. This will ensure an increase in acreage under irrigation hence an increase in output and income.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I planted maize on my two-acre land four months ago and I harvested this month. I am delighted because I got eighteen sacks which I will sell and also have enough food for my family. With the income, I can plant tomatoes to earn additional money.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of a stable source of income is the greatest challenge. I was employed by the county government but unfortunately, I lost my job two months ago, and securing another one has been difficult. My wife had to drop out of school to help me sustain our family's needs something that saddens me. If I could get another job I will be glad because my wife will go back to school comfortably.
