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 my home mourning for the loss of my grandmother who had passed away two days ago. I remember vividly it was around 9 o'clock when heard a loud message notification on my phone. Since I am illiterate, I called my helper who confirmed that I had received the transfer that GiveDirectly had promised during the enrolment period. I was confused about whether to celebrate or to continue mourning my grandma.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am now living a happy life after clearing the fees balances for the children. Before, I was distressed since I had nothing to keep my kids in school. Furthermore, I started goats rearing a reliable source of income for the family. I am assured that I will be able to support my children's education to college level without struggling using the livestock.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Being illiterate and jobless, I had desired to provide quality education for my 2 children so that they could have a better future. I invested $98 on their educational need by clearing fees arrears and purchasing two pairs of school uniforms for each. This is because they were wearing casual clothes while going to school which was so embarrassing. Furthermore, I started goat rearing activity by acquiring 7 goats at $35 each. This is a future investment for the family. I plan to sell them when they multiply to support my children's education as well as cater to any financial emergency that may arise. I used the remaining amount to purchase clothes for myself and acquired adequate food for the family.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means financial stability in my household and hence, a better livelihood. It has been 3 years now since I separated from my husband and this forced me to return to my maternal home where I am engaged in all kinds of casual work like charcoal burning to get money for my family's needs. With the arrival of GiveDirectly to our village and I am so much optimistic in life. I plan to spend at least $150 to start a grocery kiosk where I will be vending vegetables. This will be my reliable source of income and I will be so much happy to have this chance because the current job is very strenuous. On the other hand, I will use the remaining amount to construct a better house because the one I have is grass-thatched, and also I will buy 10 goats to start livestock keeping as my long-term investment project. This will cost me $400 and $300 respectively.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I consider the evening as the happiest part of my day because, at this moment, I usually have ample time to rest more in my bed. This re-energizes me most. Unlike in the morning and afternoon hours when I am too involved in fetching water from a 15 kilometers distance and doing my charcoal work respectively.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Separating with my husband is the worst thing that I never imagined to happen in my life. This has made me a single parent with 3 children whom I take care of by myself. This has forced me to engage in odd jobs like charcoal-burning or even working as a farmworker for my neighbors to get a payment. Therefore, financial instability has ever been the biggest hardship that I have faced in my life.
