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 at home with my wife, browsing on my phone, when a message popped up informing me that I had received $200 from GiveDirectly. I immediately shared the news with my wife, and we both felt a rush of excitement. The first thought that came to my mind was to get back into tomato farming.
My wife and I began to discuss our plans, feeling hopeful about what this new venture could bring for our family.
The support from GiveDirectly had opened up a new path for us, and we were eager to make the most of it
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life since I started receiving cash transfers from GiveDirectly has been my ability to get back to farming after the floods. Previously, my one-acre tomato farm was swept away by the floods, which affected me deeply since it was my only source of income. I felt lost and uncertain about the future.
However, with the support from GiveDirectly, I was able to return to farming. I found a much safer piece of land, away from the threat of floods, where I could plant tomatoes again. This opportunity has brought me so much joy and relief. I am incredibly grateful for the help I received, as it has allowed me to regain my passion for farming and secure a means of income for my family. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I am back to doing what I love, and I look forward to a better future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I received $200 from GiveDirectly right after my one-acre tomato farm was swept away by floods. This was a huge shock for me because that farm was my only source of income. Despite the setback, I refused to give up. I decided to use $130 to get back into tomato farming, but this time in a different location, away from the threat of floods, on a smaller plot of a quarter acre.
I am incredibly grateful to GiveDirectly for restoring my hope. I used the money to buy seeds and prepare the land. Now, I am back to farming, something I love deeply, and I plan to make this venture sustainable. My goal is to use the proceeds from the farm to continue growing different crops and support my family.
With $50, I bought food, as we had no harvest and were facing food scarcity. This money allowed us to have enough food during a difficult time of hunger. Finally, I used the rest of the money to buy clothes for myself and my wife, so that we could both feel the support and look better. This assistance has made a significant difference in our lives, and we are truly thankful.
Enrolled
access_time 5 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
When the River Molo and Perkerra broke their banks one month ago, my village Murda was severely affected. Most homesteads, including mine, were flooded. My one-room mud-walled house was completely destroyed, and I had to move back to my parents' compound in Eldume. Now that the rainy season is over, I have been wishing to relocate back with my family of two, but financial constraints have hindered me. Currently, we are trying to make ends meet through charcoal burning, earning around $50 on a good month, which all goes towards food for the household. With the support of the transfers, I plan to spend $300 on constructing a one-roomed iron-walled house for my family. The thought of returning with my beloved wife, Tabitha, fills me with a profound sense of relief and gratitude. Finally, we will have the chance to rebuild our lives, tend to our small plot of land, and nurture our dreams once more.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Natural disasters are indeed unpredictable, and their impact can be devastating. One month ago, our village experienced flash floods after the River Perkerra and Molo broke their banks. The floods destroyed my house beyond repair, and the sight of the devastation is a stark reminder of the power of nature. The floods struck at 11 pm when most villagers were asleep. I am grateful that my family of two was rescued from this disaster when we called out for help. The love and unity displayed by my village, especially during times of need, fills me with gratitude. It is a proof to the strength of our community and the bonds we share.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Out of the 3-acre piece of land that I inherited from my parents, I have only been able to cultivate 0.5 acre and have leased out the rest for $100. This was not my wish, but financial constraints have left me with no other choice. Currently, my family of two relies on charcoal burning to earn $50 a month. All this income goes towards food, leaving almost nothing to save. It has always been my desire to cultivate all of this land to produce food and income for my family . Unfortunately, financial limitations prevent me from doing so. It saddens me that I have to struggle so much to make ends meet, despite having arable land available for cultivation. As a result, we are forced to live hand to mouth, barely scraping by.
