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.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving the cash transfer has truly been a blessing for my family. The first thing I did was buy six quality iron sheets and some roofing nails for $100 to repair our roof which was very old and leaked whenever it rained, causing a lot of discomfort and damage inside the house. Now, with the new iron sheets, we no longer have to worry about water seeping in during the rainy season.I also invested $320 in purchasing posts to build a latrine. This was a significant upgrade for us, as having a proper latrine improves sanitation and overall health for my family. Additionally, I spent $100 on buying goats which represent a form of savings for the future. Furthermore, I bought a second-hand bed and mattress for $70 because the old bed frame we had was unstable and uncomfortable, reducing our sleep quality. Lastly, I used $150 to pay school fees for my three children, two in secondary school and one in primary school. Prior to this, I had been doing casual labor to raise money for their education, which was always a struggle. With the school fees now paid, my children can focus on their studies without the constant fear of being sent home for unpaid fees.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Since I received money from GiveDirectly, the biggest difference in my life has been the ability to repair the roof of my house. Before, whenever it rained, I had to place sacks and reeds to prevent water from leaking inside. It was a constant worry, and the situation was especially hard on my son, who is in Grade 6. Now, he is so much more excited and happy because we have a great place to live. The old roof was not only leaky but also made a lot of noise whenever it was windy. The iron sheets were worn out, and the roofing nails were so tattered that I feared they would fall off any moment. This improvement has brought a sense of security and comfort to our home, and I am immensely grateful for the positive change it has brought to our lives.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home in the evening, relaxing after a long day's work, when suddenly, my phone rang with a message notification. I checked my phone and saw that it was the GiveDirectly transfer. Overwhelmed with excitement, I immediately called my husband, who is in Mombasa, to tell him the good news. The first thing that came to my mind was how I was finally going to repair the roof of our house, which had been leaking for a long time. I waited for the next day then called GiveDirectly office to thank them for the help they had given me and I cannot be grateful enough.
Enrolled
access_time 6 months ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Reliable source of income is the challenge I am currently facing in life. I do casual jobs with very little income which caters for food and school fees. Sometimes the family goes without food and even children miss school due to lack of school fees. Last year one of the children stayed home for almost two weeks due to lack of school fees.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My family has been under hunger for quit long. Most of the time we use porridge or even go without food for the whole day. However, last year 2023 October we received rain and planted maize crops on my one acre piece of land . I harvested three bags of maize each 90kg and the food with sustain the family for the next seven months.
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have a family of nine members. My husband does casual jobs making very little income which caters for food and school fees. Sometimes children miss school due to lack of school fees. My house roof is week and it can be blown by strong winds anytime . I lack the capacity to build or renovate the house. I will use $700 to renovate my house by putting a new roof and buy beddings. I will also use $300 to pay school fees for my children so that they can settle at school and improve their performances.
