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?
The moment I received money from GiveDirectly I felt so happy. I remember that it was around 9 am. I was taking my breakfast when I received a message tone from my phone. I could not believe my eyes because I had never received such an amount of money before. My family felt so happy when the heard that I have received some money from GiveDirectly. I knew I would be able to build a better house. I has always wished to own a good house before. I am so grateful for the support.
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 build better and spacious house for my family. The construction is still ongoing, I am waiting for the second transfer to complete the construction. We used to live in a small house which was so dusty. The house could not host all the family members comfortably. Whenever I had visitors I would host them outside. This is so discouraging and stressful. I had always wished to build a house but I didn't have the money to buy the building materials. I depend on small-scale farming and casual jobs in the village. The amount of money that I would get through this was so small and only enough for basic needs. When I received the money from GiveDirectly I felt so happy, I knew I would be able to build a better house. I was able to buy building materials and started the construction process. I have done the roofing and timber. The only remaining part is to cement the floor and fix the windows. I am so happy because I know when the construction is done I will move to a better house. I will not shy off to welcome visitors into my house. I will no longer be exposed to dusty particles. GiveDirectly has changed our living standard.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent the money I received on purchasing building materials and build a better and spacious timber house. I used to live in a small mud house that could not host all my family comfortably. The house was so dusty and we were being exposed to dusty related particles. For the rest of the money, I bought food and clothes. I am so grateful for the support it he changed our living standards.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I currently live in a old grass thatched house that is licking.Receiving this money means a decent housing for my family. I intent to use $ 500 to build a timber walled house and $ 300 to purchase an additional dairy cow for the income generation and household use . Additionally, I will spend $200 on school fees for my son and the rest on food and clothing for the house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I depend on Subsistence farming for a living but due to my old age ,I am not energetic to till it .Furthermore, the farm produce has been unpredictable due to harsh climate therefore no income and less food for the household.I am happy in the morning for I am alive and able to attend to my cow that is my only source of income.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am aged, sickly and not able to fully practice subsistence farming. I am only left with one cow since I sold others to educate my children. My son completed grade 12 in the year 2018 and has not been able to continue with his education because of lack of funds. This has been my biggest hardship.As a parent , I feel irresponsible for he has not pursued hid dream course.
