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 happy and thankful after I realized I had received my first transfer from Givedirectly. I heard celebrations from my neighborhood and after a few minutes, my helper who is my son confirmed the great news. We all celebrated and prepared on initiating our plans.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the great transformation in my household marked by impressive changes. I am grateful and hopeful what Givedirectly has started will keep glowing forever.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With the first KES 35,000, I spent on obtaining a dairy cow. This is an addition to my livestock and hence will provide me with surplus milk for sale and hence get money to cater for other household items. I also spent KES 6,000 on buying maize which has sustained us for months as we wait for our harvesting season. With KES 3500 I spent in obtaining bedding and also clothes for myself which replaced the worn out. The remaining amount I saved I used to pay for daily household items.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am growing older and older thus can not go for casual jobs like before. I shared my piece of land among my sons and remained with a small share to cultivate. I find it hard cultivating it since I do not have the financial stability and manpower. I no longer have a cow after I sold what I had to meet family needs. I depend on my children for milk and sometimes I buy. I do not like this habit but I can not do anything. This cash transfer means independence again. I am planning to buy KES 38000 to buy a cow. This is an asset that I will always take pride in. I assured myself that I will cut my daily household expenditures since I will no longer buy milk. It will also allow end this habit of relying on my children. I will keep the offspring as my financial securities.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Though I hardly meet my daily household on my own, I am happy that I haven't gone a day without food. Besides being old, I am happy that I have enjoyed good health in the recent past. I thank God for the gift of good health in my recent life. This is all my happiness.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I used to do mixed farming and casual jobs to meet my family. Due to my age, I no longer do these. I majorly depend on my children to meet my daily needs. I have sold my assets livestock which I used to rely on being included. I hardly meet my needs. Lack of financial stability is my current biggest challenge.
