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 biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now own a cosmetic shop and a saloon. Previously I was employed in a nearby saloon from a friend and I was paid at a commission. It is from this shop that I learnt a few skills on how to run the business. I decided to open mine once I got the capital from Give Directly. Today, I enjoy all the profits I get from this business The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now own a cosmetic and a saloon. Previously I was employed in a nearby saloon from a friend and I was paid at a commission. Today, I enjoy all the profits I get from my saloon and the cosmetic business that I recently started. Therefore, I can comfortably chip in to assist in catering for my family's needs since my spouse is jobless. I am so grateful because if it were not for the GiveDirectly to come to our village I would not have started the businesses.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
When I first heard about the project Give Directly was about to launch in the baraza, I knew it was a lie. I knew they only came to waste our time and give us false hopes. I was surprised when they finally sent the money at around 10 pm. I received the mobile money message indicating they had sent me some money. I can't describe how relieved I was. I had several responsibilities that required my attention urgently. I was so so happy I would meet all these needs without taking loans.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
Before Give Directly came into our lives we were malnourished because we could not afford a proper meal. We could at times sleep hungry or take a single meal in a day. Therefore, I spent part of my first transfer on purchasing food for my family that would last until the next harvesting season. I then purchased a solar panel which is now helping my children at night in their studies. Apart from that I also use it to charge my mobile phone and those of my neighbors at a fee. I started a saloon and a cosmetic business in our nearest town center with the remaining amount of money.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Opening up my own cosmetic store has been my greatest desire ever since. When I dropped out of school last year but one, in form two, I became frustrated at home. There was no one to turn to. Life in the village was unbearable and that is when I began to hunt for jobs in the nearby shopping center. Luckily enough, I landed a job as a salesperson in a cosmetic shop. Even though I didn't work there for long due to low pay, the experience, and the customer base this kind of business has, wowed me. Receiving this money is a dream come true. Am going to invest a huge chunk of my transfers in this business and am certain my life will never be the same again.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Waking up every morning feeling better has always been my source of hope. My pregnancy has not been a walk in the park. For most nights, I am unable to sleep peacefully due to sharp pain in my tummy. As a result, am always looking forward to daybreak. This is what makes my morning the happiest part of the day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
For any school going child who is passionate about education, the pain of dropping out of school due to lack of financial support is unimaginable. This is the biggest hardship that I faced two years ago when I was in form two. My parents sold their only cow to raise the requisite fee for my form one admission. When I joined form two, there was nothing left for me other than to quit school. The frustration out there led me into an early marriage. Currently, am expecting my first born child and my husband's earnings as a motorbike rider is hardly enough to me meet the household needs. This money is heaven sent. I will ensure that I do something meaningful with my transfers so that my children do not undergo the same ordeal that crashed my desire of attaining the highest level of education in life.
