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 on14th October 2021 when i got a message of the cash transfer,i didn't believe it at first so i had to check my balance in order to confirm, i was very excited and grateful and still in shock because i never thought an organisation can be handing out such big amount of money.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference is my business is doing great a day can't pass without actually selling so i make money everyday and i can't sleep with an empty stomach.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
To begin with i would like to thank this awesome organisation for the exceptional job your doing in our village,i have received my first transfer with gratitude
I'm a business woman,I sell tomatoes and run a small restaurant with the first transfer i asked my self why not investing a huge part of the money in order to make my business grow so i did just that.
Ofcourse i used a smaller amount for basic needs as well like food,clothes and utensils but the bigger part went to my business.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
The money will meant increasing my food selling business.
I was in South Africa for the past 9 months ago in search of the green pasture but I returned with only enough to feed my family for a month. I researched on what I could invest the money into and I discovered that Chapola trading center had no place where they sale food.
On my second week from South Africa, I cooked Nsima and some relish to test the market, surprisedly the demand was high. That day I invested K4500 ($4) and I made K8000 ($7.80). That was my starting capital.
At the moment I dream of buying good equipments and materials for the food business but I have no capital. Receiving this money gift will help me to buy more materials and to build a nice and comfortable business place.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am not a happy person as I was before returning to South Africa. Before I went there I was in dark as I had no idea how I to generate money on my own. I was depending on my husband who constantly abused me.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced so far is lack of start up capital. I have the skills, passion and dedication to do business but I am restricted due to lack of capital.
