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 still in bed when my phone started ringing. decided to check who it might be. On checking, I realized it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. They had debited my first transfer as they had promised during the enrolment period. I felt so happy and started celebrating with my family.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before the coming of GiveDirectly, I have been living in a small house that could not accommodate all my family members besides we could lack privacy. I have been having the desire to construct a spacious one but I did not have any money to buy the materials needed and the labour charge. I am so happy now because I have a new house to live in with my family through the financial assistance. Besides this, I will be harvesting rainwater which will be an added advantage.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Since I have been longing to own a decent house, I spent a larger part of my first transfer on buying some building materials such as building poles, iron sheets, timber, and nails. This was for the construction of a new spacious semipermanent house. The previous one was in critical condition and it was almost collapsing. The remaining amount of money, I am using it in buying some foodstuffs such as maize, vegetables, and flour.
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means starting livestock keeping. My desire has been to have 2 ingenious dairy cows, but due to financial challenges this dream has never come true. I am planning to spend $ 400 of the money to purchase them. This will be a long term investment because I will able to sell them when they multiply and educate my child who is still in class 4. I am planning to spend the extra $ 700 dollars to construct a spacious house that can accommodate me together with my child who is currently dozing in my neighbours compound.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is in the afternoon. It is at this time when I can have time to chat with my friends at our compound and this releases the stresses. Unlike in the evening when am alone thinking on how my life will prevail.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship in my life is the lack of a good reliable source of income. I am a housewife who rely on my spouse who is a coconut harvester.
