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 biggest difference in your daily life.
We had been constantly affected by water shortage in our area, sometimes due to prolonged dry spells. Thus getting better water storage would help me to curb this problem. Through the transfer, I acquired a 5000litre water tank which will help me in future for permanent storage and harvest water during the rainy season. To me, acquiring this tank is the biggest difference in my life, for I will no longer be travelling daily in search of water, for I will store enough.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I saw the notification in the morning and for sure I could not believe it at first. As I went through the message, I realised that GiveDirectly had honoured their promise, for indeed I had received my first transfer. I was happy and greatly overjoyed for I never imagined that I would get such money in my life.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
On receiving my first transfer, I purchased a 5000-litre plastic water tank so as to have permanent water storage. We solely depend on water from water pans which after sometimes, the water would dry forcing us to travel many kilometres for search. With the tank, I will be able to store and reserve a larger capacity of water to use in times of dry spell. In addition to the tank, I bought some gutters that will be fixed on my house so as to harvest water during the rainy season. I also bought bags of cement and sand so as to construct a raised platform where my tank would settle. I spent the remaining amount to go shopping for my family. I bought food and clothing for my children.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
It has been long time since I had the desire to have hiring equipment like tents and chairs in order to have a reliable source of income. This ambition has never materialized due to inadequate capital. Receiving this money will mean achieving this goal and I will hire them to different functions in the community to earn me more income to sustain my family's needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning when I wake up in good health. I do morning prayers and start preparing my children ready to school. Seeing them jovial as they go to school makes me feel very happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in my life is seeing my daughter becoming deaf and dumb. She is four years now but has never been able to hear and speak. I have spent a lot of money taking her to different hospitals but my attempts has not succeeded. This makes my life very difficult.
