GDLive Newsfeed
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.
Stages:
 
Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Mary's Profile
Mary's family
Mary
landscapeCountry:
uganda
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
66
workCampaign
Standard Uganda
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
1662250 UGX ($450 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I was able to clear all the debts that we had accumulated while educating our children. We had secured a number of loans and three pieces of farm land had been attached as collateral. However, we repossessed them after paying off these loans. This has been a great achievement to the family. Secondly, we also paid our son's dowry since his inlaws had waited for over four years.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly does well to send people cash transfers that have uplifted many families. In my opinion,GiveDirectly needs to reconsider the vulnerable people too like the elderly when enrolling.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
The second cash transfer was spent on paying debts worth UGX 1200000 and UGX 300000 was spent on paying tuition for our last born daughter. The remaining cash transfer was spent on food.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1730250 UGX ($470 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
attach_money
 
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that, I live a very happy life. This is because I paid my children's fees, bought households and paid back the loan that had deprived me from cultivating on the land that I had given as collateral. Before, I collected loans in order to pay my children's fees which in turn reduced on the land I cultivated hence affecting the food security of my family. In addition, I couldn't afford better beddings, utensils and clothes for lack of money which led to stress.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I felt very excited when I realized that I had received the money. I had been living in hard times when I couldn't provide for my family.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I have used my first transfer to pay my children's fees and paying back a loan. I also bought household items such as utensils, beddings, clothes and for medical as well.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means I will be able to take care of my children's education needs and retrieve the piece of land that I leased.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am happiest in the noon time when I am listening to music over the radio especially after my morning duties. I feel relieved.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship that I am faced with is lack of money to pay off debts. I leased part of my land, sold the livestock that I had and went ahead to borrow money from those who were willing and able just to try to provide the education needs of my children. As I speak, people want back their money but there is no where I can get it. The land that is a available for me to cultivate is too small to accommodate the need. I am under pressure to pay debts. I feel I want to get a bank loan but the interest involved is too high. It may worsen my situation.