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 was home with my children when I unexpectedly received $200 from GiveDirectly. The money took me by surprise because I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was overwhelmed with happiness, and the first thought that came to my mind was how I could finally address the school fee burden that had been weighing heavily on me. The relief I felt was immense, knowing I could now care for this important need for my children’s education.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference since I started receiving cash transfers from GiveDirectly is in my children's education. For the first time, I have been able to send two of my children to school with their fees fully paid, without the stress of finding money. I used to have sleepless nights worrying about how to pay for their education, but thanks to GiveDirectly, I now live peacefully, knowing that their education won’t be interrupted.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received $200 from GiveDirectly, I had already planned how to use it. I have two children in secondary school, and I spent $120 on their school fees. I received the money just as the school term was starting, which allowed them to go to school without any delay and continue their education without interruption.
With that taken care of, I had always wanted plastic chairs so my visitors could have somewhere to sit. I spent $35 to buy four plastic chairs, and now I no longer worry about where my guests will sit.
I used the remaining $30 to buy grains to sustain my family while we waited for the harvesting season. This has ensured we have enough to eat, even before the harvest. I am happy and thankful for this support, which has made a real difference in my family's life.
Enrolled
access_time 3 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Having realized the benefits of agribusiness, I am planning to spend $500 on a Honda generator pump to irrigate my farms and increase efficiency. I believe this venture will feed and clothe my family as well as educate my children. This is what receiving the money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have been able to grow vegetables since we received short rains from last month. This makes me happy because I will be able to provide my 4 children with food and sell some to make an income.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I depend on my farm produce to support my 4 children's education. However, unpredictable weather patterns have pushed me into losses due to extreme weather conditions. For example, flash floods destroyed my maize plantation 2 months ago. I am so worried that my children will face food insecurity and will no longer consistently attend school. This is making my life hard at the moment.
