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.
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($490 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
check
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different than it would have been if I had never received my transfer in that I was able restored my happiness after constructing a decent shelter for the family. Previously, I use to sleep in a small temporary house which was not comfortable after my house got burned. In addition, through the transfer we were able to acquire some pairs of clothes for everyone in the family and purchase household utensils.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, I thank GiveDirectly for coming up with the cash transfer program at a time that I needed it most when my house got burned. I had no cash and I was stressed not knowing what to do next. The condition would have been worse if we never receive the aid.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer to complete the construction of my two houses one myself and the daughters and the other for my 2 big boys by purchasing 44 iron sheets at $9 each and paying $100 labor charge. This is because the house that had earlier had just got burned few days before GiveDirectly start the enrollment in the our village. This incident forced me to live in a small structure with my five daughters which were not enough to accommodate both of us. At the same time my boys had to seek refuge from my neighbor something that ripped off the joy of my life. The remaining amount assisted me in purchasing some pairs of clothes for every family member and household utensils since everything was destroyed by the fire. I remained with $50 which I am planning to pay part of the school fees for the children.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($512 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 9 am when I was in my neighbour's house chatting with my children and mum. I heard a message notification on my phone on checking to me surprise it was my transfer. I felt very happy knowing that I will finally have a decent shelter for my family.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
For 3 months I have been seeking shelter from my neighbours after my house accidentally got burned. This incident kept me helpless since I had no money to put up a new shelter. The biggest difference in my life is I am now sleeping in a decent house together with my children something that has strengthened our family cohesion and restored my privacy.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My house accidentally got burned recently. I was not able recover anything including cloths and beddings, this forced me to be sheltered by my neighbours. After receiving the transfer, house construction was a priority. I spent $ 450 to purchase 41 iron sheets, building poles for the construction of 2 house, one for myself and another for my big boys. Also, I used the remaining amount to buy clothes for every member in my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My house got burnt with everything in it 3 weeks ago. I had gone to work as usual,when my mother called and break the bad news to me. The news completely broke my heart and confused me because I could not know what to do next because I am a single parent with 7 children. I only depend on my small business of selling vegetables at our nearby center. Receiving this money means constructing a new one. I am planning to spend 80,000 shillings to construct a semi permanent house for my family. This is going to enable us stay a decent life again. Currently, I am sharing house with my mother. Other than that, I will spend the remaining amount to purchase beddings and other equipments such as chairs and also do shopping for my child who is about to join secondary school.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Morning is my happiest part of the day. This is because I can walk to my working area without any need of hiring a taxi because it is always cool and I save the fare for other uses. Unlike in the afternoon when it is to hot and forced to hire a taxi.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Being a single parent and the only breadwinner to my family has always have negative effects to me. I depend on selling vegetables. In a day I can make 300 shillings as profit which is not enough to cater for all our needs such as food.
