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 preparing breakfast at around 9 that morning when I heard a message tone from y cellphone. I was so curious and even went ahead to check its content. Only to realize it was the long-awaited Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy for receiving such a precious gift which up to date it still feels like a dream to me.
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 now sheltering under a better house. Before the coming of GiveDirectly, I used to own a very small house and could not accommodate my seven family members. Some had to relocate to other friend's houses which was a bit insecure. This situation has been frustrating me for a long but since I was jobless I couldn't help out. My spouse is the family breadwinner who depends on the charcoal selling and in a day he earns 2.5 USD. This could not even cater for or daily meals. Therefore we had to go through all this hoping God will see us through someday. I am glad the organization came in good time and empowered us to construct our own specious house. I will forever be thankful to this organization for transforming my life positively.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent 200 USD of my first transfer on clearing fees arrears for my two children who are in primary and secondary school respectively. This has been frustrating me for quite some time and I even had no idea where I would obtain the fees for the remaining two semesters. In addition to that, I decided to buy building materials and the labor costs at a total of 250 USD. I had intended to build a new house because the current one was small and in critical condition. Also, I am using the remaining cash in buying food and household item for the family.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means improving my social status by constructing a decent and spacious house for my family of nine. I'm planning to use the transfer to build two houses for my family, a two bedroom for myself and a one bedroom for my children (boys) at a cost of 350 dollars. This is because they are always forced to sleep at their grandmother's house, something am not happy about since it invades on my parents privacy. The current house I dwell in is small and unable to shelter my entire family. I'll then use the balance to buy goats. I prefer goats because they multiply fast meaning I'll make handsome profits from their sale in the future. The cash will be used to cater for my children school fees.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning. Waking up healthy without any stress makes me happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship in my life is lack of a descent and spacious house for my family of nine. Am not happy about the fact that my children are forced to borrow some sleeping space.
