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 relaxing while taking breakfast after completing my morning household chores of sweeping and digging on my farm. I remember it was around 10 am when I received continuous messages on my phone. I called my helper to check my phone and interpret the messages for me. After checking he informed me that I had received my transfer. I was so happy and I danced because of the joy the filled my heart while thanked GiveDirectly for the transfer.
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 sleeping on a decent bed. I am now happy since I am waking up refreshed for my days work. Previously, I was sleeping on a hard surface and always experience back pains.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer to purchase building materials including 27 iron sheets and timbers this was for completing the construction of my house which I had begun early but it stopped due to lack of enough finances. In addition, I spent KES 12,000 to purchase a bed and mattress because I was sleeping on the floor with rags which were not comfortable as well as shameful when I received visitors in my house. In addition, I spent some amount to seek medical care since I fall sick after receiving the transfer. I saved the remaining amount for labor payment.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I don't have a house to live in . My house is falling down and leaking heavily during the rain season .I feel very cold especially during the night.I cannot sleep without having fire in my house to reduce the coldness. I do not have good beddings to sleep on. My husband passed away 15 years ago and my sons have their families to care. Receiving this money means I will repair my house and buy a new bed and a mattress.I will spend 60,000 KES to repair my house and buy a new bed and a mattress. I will spend 10,000 KES to buy new clothes and cooking utensils , 20,000 to buy food for my house and I will save 20,0000 for myself and keep as a security for any emergency case.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is in the morning when I wake up and burst myself on the morning sun to release the coldness acquired from the night coldness.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship is my house .My house is old and is falling and this has given me a headache each and every day for 10 years now, thinking how I could renovate it.
