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 had been expecting these transfers because I had great plans for it. When I finally received it, I was happy and excited. I thanked Give Directly for the aid as the would enable me to acquire what I had been yearning for.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the solar lighting systems that I bought some a few months ago. Lighting my home had always been a problem because a small solar lamp which I had broke down and it forced me to use my phone torch for lighting in my house. My house now is well lit and am always proud and happy to see my home is having good lighting.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The first transfers which I received from Give Directly, I spent it to buy some chairs, bed mattress and carboard for my newly built house. I used the rest of the transfer to buy solar lighting system which include bulbs, solar panel and battery which i use for lighting purposes and charging phones. I am now happy that my home is fully furnished and well lit. I always thank Give Directly which empowers me to purchase all what I needed for my house to make it more comfortable.
Enrolled
access_time 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
For a long time, my village has not had access to electricity. Thus when it gets dark everyday I struggle to do my house chores like cooking and feeding the children. Receiving this money will see me invest in a solar panel, rechargeable battery and light up my homestead at a cost of $300. With the remaining amount, $50 will go towards purchasing cushions for my chairs and use $120 to buy beddings inclusive if two blankets, a mattress and a bed so that I may have a comfortable sleep.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have a small garden with tomatoes at a flowering stage. I spend the better part of my day cultivating this garden and it makes me extremely happy to see my crops doing well. With the current high prices of tomatoes in the market, I am very optimistic that however small, the portion is going to fetch me good money enough to sustain my family for sometime.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
While I am jobless and a fulltime housewife,my husband works as a security guard in Nairobi on contract basis. At often times than not, his salary is delayed thus making life hard for me and our small baby. Consequently, I am forced to starve since I do not have an alternative source of income. My biggest worry is that our baby will suffer from malnutrition.
