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 received a message on my phone in the evening but I did not bother checking since I was really tired after a day's work. I work in a quarry where we crush stones to make ballast for sale. I woke up the next morning and I remembered that I had received a message and on checking to confirm who the sender was, I could not contain the joy that I felt. GiveDirectly had sent my first transfer. I remember taking an off and resting that day as I thanked GiveDirectly for fulfilling their promise to us.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My son is currently in school because of the transfer. I have been doing casual jobs like crushing stones in the quarry for a livelihood. The money I got from this job could only cater for food only, I could not pay school fees on time. Because of this, my son was frequently sent home, and he could stay at home for some weeks since raising the fee required was a challenge. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for giving me financial support. He was allowed to continue with his studies after clearing the fee arrears. Seeing my son going on with his studies gives me peace and makes it to be the biggest difference in my daily life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My son was not in school by the time I was receiving the transfer. He had been at home for a couple of weeks while others we studying. I could not readily raise the fees required by the school. When I got the transfer, my priority was to take him back to school and resume studying like the others. I took Ksh. 17000 and cleared the fee arrears I am happy that he was allowed to continue with his studies after paying. He would be still at home for more weeks had I not received the transfer. Apart from the fees, I spent the remaining amount on buying building materials which include 20 pieces of iron sheets, nails and building poles. I am in the process of building a new spacious house for my family. My current living house is very small and cannot accommodate my children. I am planning to build another decent one so that my children can use my small house. My children will no longer be worried about where to sleep once this house is complete.
Enrolled
access_time almost 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My house is on the verge of collapsing. I have sleep night for fear of being buried alive because of the condition of my structure. I am planning to use my transfers to build a two-bedroom semi-permanent house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am happy because my family is living harmoniously. I now have daughters-in-law and grandchildren. The company and cohesion in this family are something to be joyous for.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My husband works in a quarry cutting building blocks. His earnings are too little to cater to our needs as well as pay school fees for our son who is in secondary school. This has left us unable to construct a good structure with the current one almost collapsing.
