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 awakened by the loud vibration from my mobile phone at around 6 AM, I decided to check whom might have sent the message at such an hour. I did not believe my eyes on what I saw, it was the money that GiveDirectly had promised to send. I felt so happy knowing that the dream of owning a house has finally come true.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Having my own semi-permanent house has made my daily life to change greatly. This is because previously I used to shelter in a very small hut and it could not fit some of my family members. I have really been yearning to own a house for the twenty years I have been in marriage but all was in vain because I did not have the money to buy the materials needed. Therefore, after receiving the transfer my priority was to construct one. I am so grateful now because managed to build the house which is so spacious. I am now staying with all my family members which has always been my prayer. My children can now do their school assignments without any disturbances, unlike before whereby they used to go to their friends. I feel like I have been born again they way my life has changed. Courtesy to GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent a larger part of my first transfer on buying some building materials such as building poles, iron sheets, ropes, timber, and nails. This was purposely of constructing a new house because previously I used to sleep on a temporary hut which was very small. Then I paid school fees for my children who are in primary school since they were approaching an exam. I later bought some new clothes for my children and I because the previous ones were old and torn. The amount of money that remained I bought some foodstuffs for my family and I, we are now taking three meals unlike before whereby we used to take a single meal.
Enrolled
access_time 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have turned to be a laughing stock in the village because my house got destroyed by the rains and this has forced me to live a life that if full of ridicule. Imagine sleeping in a house whose walls are just braving the strong winds and its roof is almost collapsing! It is a life that makes me shed tears when I think of how I can get out of this situation. I was so happy when I learned that my life will change once I get the cash grant from GiveDirectly. As of now, my plan is to spend 300 dollars to construct a decent house for my family something that will earn me the respect that I have lost for long. On the other hand, I intend to spend another $300 to buy an oxen and ox plow that will help me upscaling my farming. This will give my life a better version, a transformation that I have long wished.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The evening is the happiest part of my day because I usually get enough time to rest from the tiresome activities of the day. Unlike in the morning and afternoon hours when I am required to go to the bush to make the charcoal, a job that drains much of my energy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of a reliable source of income is the biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life. Imagine taking care of my 9 children single-handedly since the death of my husband 10 years ago. It has been a difficult life and the only job I know is to make and sell charcoal, a job that is strenuous and low paying, say $4 per sack. My children has been sent out of school due to lack of school fees and currently my elder daughter is still at home despite scoring 285 marks in the 2019 KCPE. This has been a pain to me but I am glad to learn that my life will change soon with the help from GiveDirectly.
