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?
It was in the afternoon while I was looking after my goats when a message popped on my phone. Since I did not get the privilege of going to school, I could not interpret what was contained in the message. Through the help of my helper, I was able to know that the information contained was the first transfer of KES 55000.00 from GiveDirectly. This information made my day, I jumped up and down in happiness for receiving a huge amount of money at once.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Initially, I was living a difficult life where getting some food was a big challenge. I had to look for casual labor to till people's farms for me to get some money or make some charcoals for sale. Currently, I took a break from these kinds of work because GiveDirectly empowered me and from the transfer, I got the capital to start a business making and selling detergents. The business has been doing well and sustained me.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon withdrawing the cash, I opted to ensure that my son was comfortable. I have a son who is epilepsy and he depends on me. Therefore, I bought him a bed and a mattress because he had none and he is now happy sleeping comfortably. I also built him a house because he used to sleep in his elder brother's house. As of now, he has his own house. Seeing him happy and comfortable is the joy of my heart. The cost of the bed, mattress, and the house is well known to my helper because he is the one I instructed on what to do. Thereafter, I bought a cow as a remembrance of GiveDirectly. Lastly, I opted to start a detergent business selling liquid soap and stain remover "jik" where I buy the requirements and make it myself. This business has been doing well and it has reduced the struggles I was passing through.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am an elderly widow but I have desired to live a comfortable and respected life. My son who works in a town built a house for me 2 years ago but he could not be able to build a latrine for me. The cash he had budgeted was insufficient. I have been sharing one with my children who are married but as a parent, I always feel it lowers my dignity. Sometimes we collide in the rooms. Receiving this transfer means building my latrine. I am planning to spend KES 20,000 on its construction. This price includes the labor charge for the person who will dig the whole, materials, and finishing. This will retain my dignity and I will always be comfortable. Other than that, I will invest the remaining amount in livestock and beddings because I use local ones.
What is the happiest part of your day?
"God makes a way where there is no way ". This will remain to be my saying for the rest of my life. After Give directly has enrolled me in their program, it has brought a lot of happiness to my family. I had some dreams which I desired to conform but due to monetary challenges, I could not attain them. Through give direct organization, It came to create a path towards fulfilling them and I am happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Prolonged drought is the biggest hardship I ama currently facing. I work as a substance farmer but it has been 1 year now since we received rains in at our area. The farms can no longer produce anything and I have to rely on my son for food. Before I used to plant and after harvesting, I could have my food which was a relief. Financial instability is another challenge I am currently facing.
