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?
The moment I received my transfer, I had gone to the shopping centre for some errands. At around 7 pm I heard my phone ringing. Upon checking, I realised that I had received money from GiveDirectly. I was so excited and happy because I knew that I would be able to accomplish my goals. I then broke the news to my wife who was equally happy and grateful. We embarked on planning how when we would cash out the transfer and how we would utilize it. GiveDirectly empowered how people financially, and we are indeed grateful for the support.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life today is that I have been able to purchase a dairy cow within a short period. This is a big relief because I am hopeful that I would be having sufficient milk for my consumption. Additionally, I have a comfortable bed and a mattress thus sleeping like a baby. I am forever grateful for the support that uplifted my life amazingly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving my transfer, I saw the need of purchasing a dairy cow worth KES 18,000 to cut the cost of buying expensive milk daily. I was unable to purchase a cow before due to financial constraints. This is because we fully depend on farming for our daily livelihood. I then paid dowry for my lovely wife where I used KES 8,000. Additionally, I used KES 10,000 on farming and lastly, I used the remaining amount of the transfer on buying clothes, mattresses and foodstuffs. I am so grateful for the support that lifted our living standards amazingly.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means an end to my worsening financial situation which has become a scar on the conscience of our family. One year ago I lost my job in town where I was working as a security officer, I was almost reduced to a beggar because I was not prepared to face the situation. I even had to hand over my firstborn child to be taken care of by a relative, a very painful decision which I would not even wish my worst enemy to go through. During this period I have been surviving on remittances from close friends who care and other good relatives. It has been my wish to start a small kiosk business here in the village to help us keep going and am glad that these transfers will set a good start for me. We shall invest all the money in buying stocks and building a house to host the business.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The past six months has been a struggle for me but nevertheless I found so much happiness when my only cow calved down some 3 months ago. I was so happy because from the milk production I am selling some of it which helps us earn a little income.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I literally cannot provide for my family right now, it feels so shameful but it is my situation right now. I feel overwhelmed by the needs of the family and the fact that I cannot see an end to the situation. I have borrowed money that needs to be repaid back and I still do not have a means. Living such uncertain life is not my wish but am hopeful now that you have helped me conquer the moment.
