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?
It wasn't usual for me to receive messages in the morning. That is why when I got a message that morning I was curious to know what it was all about. I was shocked to see that Give Directly had sent me my first transfer. I didn't expect to see that morning and I was totally taken off guard by the news. It took me time before I could fully digest the news but finally I later came out with a plan of how I could responsibly spend the money. I remember calling them and thanked them for keeping their word. I knew I would finally achieve my goals through this transfer.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before the coming of GiveDirectly, I used to sleep on a small traditional bed with some rags and sacks that acted as my bedding. Accessing a mattress or even a comfortable wooden bed was like a dream to me. I could never afford purchase one considering my meager source of income. My life is currently different because through this transfer, I managed to buy a new bed and a mattress. At least I now enjoy a good sleep unlike before, courtesy of GiveDirectly. Apart from the nice bedding, I also own livestock that include a cow and three goats, to me these are assets that I can readily depend on in case of a financial challenge.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 22500 to purchase livestock. I bought a heifer and three goats which I am currently rearing in my homestead. I am hopeful that these livestock will reproduce and increase in number with time. I feel good because I now have something to rely on whenever I get a financial problem. Apart from that, I also spent KES 11950 to purchase a new bed and a new mattress. I replaced the old and worn out bedding that I have been using for many years. I also took KES 15000 to buy 20 pieces of iron sheets, timber and nails to renovate the roof of my house which was dilapidated and leaking during rains seasons. Lastly, I bought a few households needs such as foodstuffs as well as paying for other household expenses.
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a sustainable source of income. Ever since my husband died last year, I've been depending on casual jobs to fend for the family. And because they are hard to come by, oftentimes I lack money to cater for basic necessities. Therefore, when I receive the transfers, I will invest in poultry keeping, a venture that will generate adequate income for us. I will also back it up with goat rearing business as a long term investment plan. I also desire a better living condition -the house that I currently reside in is old and lacks basic household items like beddings. I, therefore, purpose to improve it using the remaining part of the transfers.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is the happiest part of my day. This is the moment that I rest after undertaking my daily chores. Normally, my day starts with household chores. Thereafter, I look for menial jobs in the village, so that I can at least earn a daily wage.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of a reliable source of income has been the biggest hardship in my life. As a widow, it is extremely difficult to cope up with hard life situations, especially when you lose a partner whom you solely depended on in meeting the household basic needs. For a year now since his demise, I've had to engage in strenuous menial jobs despite my deteriorating health. Was it not for the entry of Give Directly in our village, I wouldn't know any other means to continue sustaining the family.
