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 can still recall just like yesterday the message came in the early hours of the morning. I was very curious and upon reading its content it brightened my day since I realized I had finally my first transfer. I was very happy and planned all that I wanted to spend the transfer on.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the fact that I now own some cows that I am currently rearing in my homestead. I settled in buying them for various reasons. First, with the pair of oxen, they will help me in ploughing my farm and this means the level of food production shall also increase compared to when I used to till my fam by myself. I will also hire them for my neighbours at a fee which will earn me more money that will help me in settling my family needs without straining. Secondly, with the dairy cows, I will be getting plenty of milk and I am planning to supply them to our local market and save the money for my grandchildren's future studies. I would not have achieved all this if it were not for the financial support from GD. I will forever be grateful for them.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some livestock such as a pair of oxen, a dairy cow, and some goats. These have been my well thoughtful assets for a long period of time but I could not afford to purchase them. I also cleared a medical bill since I have been unwell for a long period of time and I had no money for the medication. The remaining amount of money, I bought enough foodstuffs for my family, some other household items, and nice clothes.
Enrolled
access_time 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My desire has been to construct a house but due to lack of support from my child this dream has remained unfulfilled. I am an elderly widow who depends on myself and am jobless. Receiving this money means I will spend $ 800 building it so that I can enjoy living comfortably. Other than the house I am planning to spend the extra $ 300 seeking proper treatment in referral hospitals because I have been suffering from severe headaches.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is at night. It is at this time when am stress-free because I have enough time to rest. Unlike in day time when am thinking of how my day will come to an end.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship is lack of money. This has hindered me from seeking proper treatment from referral hospitals. I have been suffering from severe headaches for almost 10 years I depend on painkillers which I purchase from chemists.
