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?
Illiteracy was almost delaying my happiness. I cannot remember whether I heard the message tone or not. What I know is that I heard neighbors happily saying that they had received their transfer. Since we were registered on the same day, I became curious and contacted my helper. The helper confirmed that I had also received my transfer. I was very happy like a bride because, at my old age of 83 years, I did not expect to get a huge sum of money like $550 which I did not receive when I was young and stable.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The main difference which I can talk about is the availability of food that existed at my homestead. I was able to eat and drink well. Before GiveDirectly came, I was almost 7 months without taking tea and bread. It is not because I did not want but because I lacked the money to purchase the bread and sugar. I am thankful for the help you gave me and I am looking forward to receiving the second transfer.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Since I do not have children who are in school, and the biggest challenge was food, I opted to buy only two pieces of "kikoi." I opted to use the whole amount for food because I do not have anyone to look after me. The only daughter is also old and she depends on casual labor.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have experienced sight and right leg complications for over a decade now. This has rendered me unproductive in my small farm in the village to an extent I am forced to rely on my son to survive. I am planning to use 50,000KES to seek medical intervention in town. I believe that with the appropriate medication, my situation will get better and lead a happy life just like my neighbours. I will use a further 40,000KES to construct a two-bedroom semi-permanent house for my family. This will ensure that I earn the privacy I have always desired since I will have my own bedroom. Doing all this will make me happy.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Over the December holidays, I hosted a good number of relatives for Christmas and New year celebrations and this brought joy and happiness in my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The sight and right leg complications I'm currently experiencing are the greatest challenges I am facing in my life.I can't see anything 30 metres away and this has denied me happiness for over a decade now.
