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.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Ma Mary, before GD came, I planned to build a house of my own, but could not be realized due to lock of funding. My entire life I have beent farming and the products sales could not still start a house. I was enrolled as one of the recipient on the GD program and received my first and second and third transfers. With the first and second and third transfers, I can now start to build a house of my own and will be now called a house owner.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Firstly, I want to take this time to say a very big thanks to Give Directly for services rendered us during the entire enrollment process. You did a great and excellent job.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I was able to buy four (4) bundles of zinc and paid people to cut the Sticks for the building. I was also able to buy food for the children, paid my son school fees who in the 12th grade pending graduation. Thanks to the entire Give Directly family for the great opportunity.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
42500 LRD ($275 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My present living place is very deplorable. The roof of my house is completely damaged I couldn't afford to change my roof.. So, I was overwhelmed when I received my transfer. I felt relief because I could afford to purchase zinc to build my house.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Givedirectly has done very well by changing our lives. The unconditional transfer by Givedirectly has brought development in our community. Those of us that couldn't afford are now building houses. Our living conditions have changed dramatically.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my recent transfer to buy zinc, cement and planks.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
40375 LRD ($265 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was very happy when I received the cash transfer, because I did not worked for it but it was given to me to assist myself solved some problems. Thanks to Give Directly for the assistance given us.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference is been a widow, and I have been living in a house with tash roofed for years, but am now building a house that will be roof with zinc. Thanks to Give Directly for all they're doing for my children and I.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I bought four bundles of zinc, bought some planks for our house project. I also give the contractor advance payment of ten thousand Liberian dollars for our house project, food was bought for my household.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Since I lost my husband in 2016 due to sickness, life has become so difficult for my son and I. The death of my husband caused my son to drop out of school for more than 2 Academic years because I couldn't afford to pay his tuition. For the past 4 years I have been surviving through subsistence farming and assistance from other people. Besides my living place is also in a deplorable condition. If I qualify for GiveDirectly unconditional cash transfer program, I intend to use the money to change the roof over my house and to also establish business which will serve as a permanent source of income for my son and I instead of doing hard labor like subsistence farming and casual labor from years to years.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Surviving as a single mother and persistently sponsoring my son in school is very difficult. Doing casual labor and making cassava farm is the order of the day for my son and I. After going through all these strenuous activities just to raise money to send my son to school and seeing him making a pass at the end of the school year brings me joy. Besides, helping me in the home with the farming work and writing and reading communications sent to me also brings me so much happiness.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Living as a single mother and taking care of other family members is very challenging. When my late husband was alive, he was the breadwinner for the family, but since his demise I have to provide for the children he left behind. I make cassava farm and even beg others within the town to go on their respective farms to help them just to get food for my son and I. This is the condition I have lived with for about 4 years now. Even the cassava planted, it sometimes doesn't produce thereby increasing the hardship for my son and I. Finding or establishing a permanent source of income for my son and I which will eventually lead to me leaving the physical work and raising money to keep sponsoring my son in school are challenges I am currently facing.
