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?
When I received the first transfer, I was overjoyed for receiving such a huge amount at once. It was my first time owning such a huge amount. This happiness was a result of picturing how my life was going to change opositively.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The money I received rose me from a very difficult situation as far as food is concerned. In a week we could sleep hungry for about 2 to 3hrs without getting even porridge. Since the time I received the money, things changed and I now have good access to food not as before when we used to struggle from hand to mouth and on some days we had to sleep on empty stomachs after failing to get some money.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
For a while, I have slept in an insecure house. the house is on verge of collapsing besides leaking profusely during the rainy season. Therefore I opted to build a new house. Although the house is incomplete after running out of funds I am happy that soon I will be sleeping in a nice secured house. The poles which I used to build the house cost $50, I bought rafters for $30 and 12 pieces of iron sheets for $114. For the remaining amount, I bought some food for the family.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I'm glad to be part of Givedirectly community that will benefit from the unconditional cash transfer, because I now plan to buy myself goats, a small number that I can take care of them.
I will buy myself enough stock of food like bundles of maize, beans, enough cooking oil and enjoy food that I once have wanted but I couldn't afford.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In July I was in Ganze, where I received cash transfer of 3000KSH from the government, and it really helped me to buy food for my self, for several months.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I always depend on my entire family for all my basic needs, I go for days without food, and last year I stayed the whole year with just one dress. Family is going through a lot of hard life, and am becoming a burden to them.
I cannot work anymore, am very old and I just need someone to look after me, help me in cooking or support me physically.they say old age is a blessing but when poor this becomes the opposite.
