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 4 pm when I was preparing vegetables for dinner, and as I went to pick up my phone, I saw the message that I had received money from GiveDirectly. I was overjoyed and didn't tell anyone about the transfer immediately. Later, I called my husband, who works in Kilifi, and he was equally thrilled. Instantly, my mind raced with plans, and I decided that I was going to open a salon business, something I had always dreamed of doing.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference I've seen since receiving unconditional cash from GiveDirectly is that we've finally been able to repair our leaking roof in the sitting area. We were also able to fix a section of wall that was falling off. That fallen wall had made the room uninhabitable, but now that it's repaired, I plan to buy a bed for my two children so they can sleep in that room. The room had remained unused and I am glad that it can now be put to use. Additionally, we now have enough food and can afford to have three meals a day, unlike before when we had to skip some meals. This support has truly transformed our living conditions and overall well-being and I very grateful to GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
First, I used $200 to pay the school fees for three of my husband's siblings who are all in high school. My husband had been struggling to cover their fees, as their single mother could not make ends meet on her own. This financial relief was essential to ensure that they continued their education without interruption. I then used $60 to repair our house roof. The old iron sheets were leaking badly, making the house almost uninhabitable whenever it rained. Fixing the roof was a priority to provide a safe and dry living environment for my family. I then spent $150 on household food items to support my mother-in-law, her three children, and my three kids. Even though I do door-to-door hairdressing, the dream of opening my own salon had to be put on hold due to financial constraints. Finally, I gave $20 to my husband to cover some essential documentation that he needed. With $30, I bought clothes for myself and the children, ensuring that we had something decent to wear. I also managed to save the remaining amount for emergencies. This cash transfer has truly made a difference in our lives, allowing us to address immediate needs and plan for a more stable future and I am very grateful.
Enrolled
access_time 7 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have a family of four members with two being children. I am just a housewife and my husband does casual jobs at Kilifi making little income which caters for food. I have skills on tailoring but I lack the capacity to start my own salon. I will use $800 to start my own salon at Kilifi and do business. This will bring sustainability income to my family. I will also use $300 to equip my house with bedding. Currently I sleep on the floor which is not safe for the health of the children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The family hardly eats delicious food. We take such a good day during the first year festival. However on May 1st we slaughtered two chickens and celebrated. This brought happiness in my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food security is the challenge I am currently facing in life. I am just a housewife and my husband does casual jobs making little income which is not enough to buy food for the whole month. The family takes one meal per day most of the time. This has affected me since I have a young baby and I lack milk to breastfeed the baby.
