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 on the farm with my brother, preparing the land. My brother, who is also a GiveDirectly recipient, received his transfer first, and just two minutes later, I received mine too—$180. We were both so happy and felt a great sense of relief. I had been stressed, wondering where I would get money from to address our needs.
The first thought that came to my mind was how I could finally put an end to the threat of floods once and for all. This money gave me hope and the ability to start planning for a solution. I am grateful for the support, which has lifted a huge burden off my shoulders.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference since I started receiving the GiveDirectly transfer has been my ability to buy land. I had already reserved a piece of land but was stressed about paying for it before someone else took it. I was overwhelmed with worry and thoughts, but now, thanks to the support, my mental health has improved. I am happy and deeply grateful to GiveDirectly for allowing me to choose how to address my problems on my own.
With the new land on higher ground, I won’t have to worry about floods anymore. This move will provide my family with a safer place to live, and I am relieved to no longer be anxious about the threat of floods
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving $180 from GiveDirectly, I was so happy and felt like a huge burden had been lifted off my shoulders. I have always wanted to solve the flood threat that keeps affecting us, and I had found a piece of land on safer ground where I could build a home. I used $160 as an installment payment for the land. I plan to finish paying for it soon using the produce from my farm, so my family can have a safer place to live, away from the threat of floods.
I plan to continue farming on our current land, but I will do so after the rainy season, using irrigation to avoid losses from floods. The remaining money was spent on food for my family. I have five kids, and we’ve all benefited greatly from the support of GiveDirectly. We are truly grateful for the help, which has made a big difference in our lives.
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access_time 4 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Receiving this cash transfer will be instrumental in rebuilding my life. Initially, I intend to allocate the first installment towards purchasing food for my family, addressing our immediate need. The remainder will go towards covering school fees for my children. Subsequent transfers will enable me to reinvest in agriculture, our primary income source. I am confident that once I harvest my crops, life will improve as I plan to sell them to support my family's education and other essential needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I find my greatest relief in knowing that I successfully protected my livestock and family during the floods. None of my goats were lost, which gives me hope for recovery despite the devastation to my maize farm. These animals will now serve as a crucial source of income to meet my family's basic needs.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Recently, our area was hit hard by floods, which has been devastating for me. The floodwaters destroyed my 2-acre maize farm, and it feels like I've lost all the progress I had made in my life. Financially, I'm unable to replant crops due to the damage. Even attempts at charcoal burning were thwarted by the persistently wet ground. Now, I find myself depending on casual labor on other farms where owners are able to replant.
