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 was around 4 pm when I was at home relaxing after completing my household activities. I heard the message alert on my phone and being uneducated I went direct to my helper's house to inform him of the message that I had received. After verifying the message he informed me that I had received my transfer. I was extremely happy for receiving my aid knowing that I will be able to achieve my dream of owning a decent house for myself.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Living in a decent and comfortable house with my family members is what makes the biggest difference in my daily life. Previously, I use to stay in a poor condition house that leaks during the rainy season. I am no longer worried whenever it's raining something that has made my life more comfortable. In addition, I was able to start livestock rearing a long-term investment for the family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent a larger part of my first transfer constructing a decent shelter for myself. For several years, I have been living in a poor condition house that leaks during the rainy seasons which forced me to spend sleepless nights. I had wished desired to build a good house but due to poverty, I have not been able to acquire the material. After getting my transfer, I bought the required building materials which includes 22 iron sheets, building poles, and paid labor costs. Currently, I am happy that I am residing in a decent, spacious house like others in the village something that has given me peace of mind. Furthermore, I bought 3 goats for KES 9000, I had desired to start goats keeping a reliable source of livelihood for the family. Due to the famine that we are facing, I used the remaining amount to purchase enough food stuffs for the family.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
In this compound, my house has been the talk of the day. Every time it rains, the house always get flooded. The roof as you can see is almost falling down because it was constructed in 1994. So when I heard that Give Directly is coming in our village, I just said to myself God works mysteriously. I intend to spend approximately 40000KES to put up a two roomed house. With that house equipped with a bed and a mattress, I must say it will be a new beginning of my life.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have a son who has been ailing of ulcers and at some point he was admitted to the hospital for like a whole year. So when he went for check up last year November, it was a great surprise to here that the ulcers were all gone. I am so relieved now because I now know he will be able to go back to work and help me take care of my needs since am getting old.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have a son whom I sometimes depend on to take care of my needs. December, 2019 he was diagnosed with ulcers. It was very bad I must say because he had to resign from work. It is now two years, he has been just here at home looking at me to help him. His condition has affected me so much financially in that I had to sell almost all my cows and goats to clear his hospital bills. I am now in that state of zero assets which is very bad in any family.
