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.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When the cash transfer arrived, it was like a lifeline for my family. First things first, with $173, I rushed to get 15 iron sheets to fix the leaky roof that used to keep us up at night. Seeing those sheets covering our home, my heart feels lighter, and my family's smiles are brighter. No more worrying about the rain pouring in; we can finally relax and sleep peacefully.
Another $102 went into buying two mattresses. One for me and one for my children. It's incredible how something as simple as a good night's sleep changed everything. We used to wake up achy and tired from sleeping on torn mats, but now, we wake up refreshed and ready for the day. The comfort these mattresses bring is priceless, bringing us closer and making our home feel more comfortable. With $52, I bought a sack of maize, ensuring there's always enough food at home, easing the burden on my husband who works as a casual laborer. As of now, we're living with a newfound sense of fulfillment. Thereafter, I used $75 to buy a table and five chairs; no more logs for our guests to sit on! And finally, using $50, I settled the school fee balances for my kids and got them some clothes for $50. It feels amazing to see them go to school without worry and with clothes that fit them well.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Life used to be a constant struggle. Nights of empty stomachs and worry were all too familiar, especially when the rain stopped my husband from finding work. Our leaky roof added to our troubles, stealing away our peace. But then, everything changed. The GiveDirectly transfer came like a ray of hope. Suddenly, our song changed from sorrow to joy. With the money, we could buy food regularly, and we fixed our leaking roof. Now, we sleep soundly, no longer drenched by rain or worry. That transfer brought us more than just money; it brought us comfort, security, and a renewed sense of hope for brighter days ahead.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
As the sun was setting, I was busy treating my maize to keep it safe from pesky insects when a neighbor strolled by and asked if I got the promised money. My phone was inside the house, but curiosity got the best of me, so I went to check. There it was, the money in my account! I couldn't contain my joy. I felt like shouting with happiness. Finally, my dream of fixing my leaking house could come true and I couldn't be more grateful for the help that came just when I needed it the most.
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of reliable source of income is the challenge I am currently facing in life. My husband and I do casual jobs and sometimes we take a whole month without any job. This has affected my children performances at school. Most of the time they have been out of school due to lack of school fees.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My family has been going without food for a while. On April, we received rain in our community and maize crop on my two acre piece of land . I harvested 5 bags of 90kg each. This will sustain me for the next five months. The food brings happiness in my life
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have a family of seven members . We have been living as squatters for the past four years. My husband and I do casual jobs earning approximately $80 per month which caters for food and school fees only. I have desired to build a house on my own piece of land but this has been a challenge to me due to lack of funds. I have one acre a piece of land that I inherited from my parents two years ago. I will use $800 to build a three room house for the family . This will help me settle and stop being a squatter. I will use $300 to start a business of selling clothes in the village. This will help raise funds to pay school fees for my children and meet other family necessities.
