What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After receiving $180 from GiveDirectly, the first thing I needed to address was my bedding. I had been sleeping on the floor and had never owned a mattress before. So, I used $80 to buy a bed and a comfortable mattress. Now, my nights have changed for the better. I enjoy my sleep, and my health and overall well-being have improved. I no longer feel old and tired.
Next, I used $70 to buy food. It was important for me to stock up on food since my age limits my ability to work. I don’t have much energy, and I depend on my younger son for help. With this food, I can rely less on him, as I now have enough to eat and can take regular meals.
During that time, I was bitten by a snake, and I used $15 to get the necessary medication. Thankfully, I am back to my normal health now. Without the money from GiveDirectly, I wouldn’t have been able to afford the medical attention I needed after such a serious attack.
Finally, I used the remaining money to pay my youngest child's school fees. I didn’t want him to be chased away from school for lack of fees, so I made sure he could continue his education. This support from GiveDirectly has made a significant difference in my life and the lives of my family members.
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 has been in my bedding, health, and food. Before I received these transfers, I used to sleep on the floor, which was very uncomfortable. Now, I sleep on a comfortable bed with a mattress, and this has greatly improved my well-being. Despite my age, I feel young again.
Additionally, before the GiveDirectly cash transfers, I relied heavily on my son to take care of my bills. Now, with the money I received, I have been able to buy food, which has enabled me to be self-dependent.
Lastly, after being bitten by a snake, I used some of the money to seek the necessary medical attention. This would have been difficult without the transfer. Overall, these changes have had a positive impact on my life, and I am truly grateful for the support from GiveDirectly.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I live alone, and one evening my neighbor came to inform me that GiveDirectly had sent money. Since I am old and can't read, I had to wait for my assigned helper. After a week, when he finally came, he confirmed that GiveDirectly had indeed sent the transfer. I was so happy and filled with gratitude because this support meant so much to me.
The first thought that came to my mind was to use the money to buy a bed and a mattress, something I really needed. I felt a great sense of relief, knowing that I could now improve my comfort and rest better.