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 at home busy repairing my mother's house which had collapsed on one side. I remember it was around 9 am when I heard the message alert on my phone. Being illiterate, my niece check the phone and informed me that I had received the transfer from GiveDirectly. I felt very happy for receiving my transfer which would fulfill my desire of owning a decent shelter for myself.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am currently residing in a decent shelter for myself a moment that I had longed for. Waking up in a comfortable house for myself is what makes my life different. This has restored my privacy which I had lost for half a year now.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer to construct a decent one-roomed house for myself. I bought 18 iron sheets, timber, and building poles. Similarly, I paid all the labour charges. Previously, I was residing in my neighbor's house after the one I had collapsed on 6 months ago. I had desired to own a new house but due to the financial challenge am going through, I was not able to build one. I spent KES 9000 to purchase 3 goats an investment for my future. The remaining amount assisted me in seeking medical care for my mother who was ill. I thank GiveDirectly for the transfer that has helped my mother regaining back her good health.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a good house for my family. I only stay with my elderly mother in the village since my wife left. At my age, sharing a house with my mother is prohibited according to the Giriama culture. Therefore, I am planning to use 500 dollars from this transfer to construct a two bedroom house, one room for myself and the other room for any visitors who might come to check on me. I will use a further 300 dollars to renovate my mother's house. I will finally use the balance to buy one pair of ox-plough for subsistence farming. Doing all this will guarantee me the happiness I have always desired.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Morning is the happiest part of my day. I do not feel much pain during the morning hours that's why I am happy but as the day ends I feel alot of pain.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship in my life has been prolonged heart problems. I have been to several hospitals and currently I am under medication hoping that one day I will be out of this problem and lead a happy life just like others.
