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?
It was around 3 pm when I was out on the farm, sweat dripping down my forehead as I prepared my shamba for the upcoming planting season. Amidst the sounds of nature, I heard a faint message tone coming from my phone. Illiterate as I am, I patiently waited until evening when I returned home. With eager anticipation, I asked my daughter, Janet, currently in her second year of secondary school, to interpret the message for me. As she relayed the news, my heart swelled with joy as it was a confirmation of receiving the first transfer from GiveDirectly. Relief washed over me, knowing that I could finally afford to renovate the leaking roof of our humble home. I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and hope for the future.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Receiving monetary help from GiveDirectly completely changed my life for the better. Before, I lived in constant worry about the leaking roof of my house during the rainy season. With only $28 earned weekly from charcoal burning, I couldn't afford to renovate or secure my home, let alone provide for my family's essentials and education. However, thanks to the support I received, I was finally able to invest in renovating my house and making it secure. Now, I no longer have to fear the rain pouring in, and my family can sleep peacefully at night without worrying about the weather.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With the money I received, I decided to fix up our leaking house. I bought 22 pieces of iron sheets, along with ridges, nails, and roofing timbers, and hired a contractor for $90 to do the repairs. It cost me $530 in total, but now my family and I can enjoy living in a cozy home, safe from the rainwater seeping through the roof. The relief of knowing we won't have to endure those leaks anymore is priceless.
After taking care of the house, I still had $10 left. I used it to pay off some debts at a shop where I had taken items on credit. Clearing those debts lifted a weight off my shoulders, bringing me peace of mind. Now, with our home secure and debts settled, I feel a sense of stability and security for my family's future.
Enrolled
access_time 3 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Looking at our village, I consider myself the poorest individual because most of my neighbors have decent housing. This is a problem that I have wished to put to an end but because of financial constraints, it has never been possible. The money I am expecting from GiveDirectly will, therefore, help me to achieve this since I intend to spend a bigger portion of the transfers ($500) on this project. This will guarantee me joy since I will be living a decent life. On the other hand, I will spend $300 to buy 6 goats that will support us in the future. The remaining amount will help my daughter to clear fees arrears to be allowed to collect her results. By achieving this, my life will change for the better, a transformation that I have admired for a long period.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The good harvest that we have had this season is something to boost for and a source of joy in my life. This is because, since early December last year, my family has had enough food because of the harvest from my 2-acre piece of land. From my farm, I am optimistic about getting 4 bags of maize that can sustain us for 5 months. The food security in my household is, therefore, what has brought me happiness.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Life has become so tougher because of the lack of a reliable source of income. Imagine with a family of 7, I have for a long period of time depending on charcoal work. This job is very tiresome and its income is usually low, mostly $40 per month. Considering the many needs of my family, it has never been easy to take care of them. Sometimes, my children are sent home due to lack of fees while at home we forfeit meals or survive on one in a day. Looking at my house is also another reason to shed tears because it's grass-thatched and during the rainy season, I always change my bed position. What a life of worries!
