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 can still remember vividly it was around 8 AM when my phone started ringing. This was a clear indication that there was an incoming message. Upon checking, I realized it was an Mpesa from GiveDireclty. They had finally debited my first transfer as promised, I felt so happy.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The financial support has enabled me to acquire a dairy cow which I am currently rearing in my homestead. This is what I have been yarning to own for all those years but I could not afford it because they are very expensive. I am positive that very soon I will stop the regular buying of milk for my family usage thus saving the money. In addition, I will be selling the remaining few liters to my neighbors to generate an income. Thus business will enable me to be paying school fees for my children in time and meeting their needs without straining.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some livestock such as a dairy at KES 14500. This will now be the living assets that I can depend on just in case of my financial difficulties. I also bought some building materials which include some bags of cement and sand. This was for the renovation of my house which was almost collapsing due to the weak walls. I also bought some plastic chairs to replace the mats that I have been using to sit on. The remaining amount of money, I bought enough foodstuffs for my family and some other household items.
Enrolled
access_time 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My longing has been to take my child to vocational college so that she can pursue a tailoring course but due to lack of money this desire has never come true. Receiving this money means fulfilling the desire. I am planning to use $ 700 to pay for all her college fees for the whole semesters. This will create opportunity for her to be employed and depend on herself. I will spend the extra amount finishing my house which is collapsing.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is at night. It is at this time when I relax after a long day of every draining chore-like burning charcoal.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship in my life is lack of good source of income. I depend on charcoal burning which earns little amount.This has hindered me from achieving my goals like taking my child to college.
