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 when I received the money I felt so happy and grateful. I remember it was very early in the morning when I heard a message notification on my phone. When I checked it I could not believe my eyes because I have never received such amount of money before. I knew from that point that I will be in a position to build a house for my children.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life since I received the transfer is that I have been able to build a house for my son. Due to this, he now sleeps at home unlike before and I no longer worry about his security at night. Also, I am happy that he got a amble place to study.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer to purchase building materials to build a house for my son. He had been sleeping at our neighbor's house and I was never comfortable with this arrangement. This is because it is always unsafe for him to move around the village at night looking for a place to spend the night. As a way of investing this money, I bought a heifer. On the remaining amount, I bought enough food to last us for some time.
Enrolled
access_time 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Building a decent house for my boys has been my longterm desire in my life. Currently, my 2 children are forced to spend their nights in my neighbor's child house. This has affected their education as they are unable to study well in their colleague's house, also I feel they are exposing themselves to danger now that the world is fighting with the corona virus. I am planning to use $ 150 in constructing a good house for my kids. The remaining amount will assist me in purchasing one dairy cows which will be my reliable source of income.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My mornings are always the busy period of my day, working in my small farm until 10. Then to my neighbor's farm up to the evening, when I come back home with some food for my family. It is at this time that I can rest hence, I consider it as my happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am a casual laborer at my neighbor's farm. This activity earns me 1 dollar per day after spending the whole day wedding. I normally spend this income on feeding my family of 4, I always remain with nothing to cater for other needs like a shelter for my boys. I am always worried that they may fail in their exams as they miss the chance to have a night study.Therefore, lack of reliable source of income as my biggest hardship.
