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 around 10 AM when I was with my family and we were relaxing after taking breaking. Then my phone started ringing and I was so much excited after realizing it was the long-awaited message from Segovia Technology that had just popped in. I had to share the good news with my family members and it was just a joyous moment for me and my family. We definitely knew that we would acquire decent shelters through financial help.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that the cash transfers empowered me to clear school fees for my son who was in his final year in college. Previously, he used to be sent home more often due to fee arrears which have been affecting his academic performance all along. As a parent, I was always stressed up because and I had even lost hope in life. Being a widow, I was the only breadwinner of the family and the little money I got from the casual jobs( selling charcoal earning KES 150 per day) were not enough to pay school fees and provide for their basic needs like food. Since I am illiterate my dream is to see my children get a good education so that it can change their future generation. I am happy with this because since he is on his final year there is a bight future ahead courtesy of GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my transfer on buying building materials which include poles, ropes, nails, timber at a total of KES 28000. This had to be my first propriety because I had been yearning to construct a new house for my two sons who have been sleeping at their friend's houses becasue my house was not spacious enough. In addition, I gave the mason KES 6000 as the labour charge. Also, I cleared college fees of KES 15000 for my son who is in his final year and I am happy because the money came in good time. With the remaining amount of money, I bought enough foodstuffs for my family that would at least take us to the next harvesting season.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a decent house for me. The house I currently live in is in a bad condition. I always feel insecure spending my nights in a house that can fall at any time. The moment I receive the first transfer, I will use it to renovate my house to a more secure and a better standard. For the second transfer, I will use it to pay school fees for my son who is in college.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is in the evening. I live with my two grand children in my household. When they are enjoying the dinner I have cooked for them makes me happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of money is the biggest hardship I have ever faced. One of my two sons dropped out of school because I could not afford to pay school fees for two. I am also struggling to pay for the other one who remained in college. I sold all my livestock to get money for school fees.
