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 remember very well it was around 4 pm, I was at home preparing my dinner for myself since I am alone in the household. Due to old age and health issues-suffering from ear problems can not hear properly. Because of this, I could not realize receiving the transfers Until evening when the helper come home from work. I was very happy to learn that I had received the transfers.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Owning a spacious decent house and living closer to my sons who could offer assistance when under problems is the biggest difference in my life. Previously, I was living in another place away from other family members something that make it very hard to get assistance at night when under any challenge. I am happy that my children can support me since they are easily accessible.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The transfers was of great help to me. For many years, I have desired to own a house and relocate to where my sons are after they move out to another place. I spent $350 of the transfers to construct a decent house at a place near my relatives. I can now seek assistance from neighbours once I face any challenges like sickness. In addition, I bought a Bed and mattress since I was using mats as bedding which was not comfortable. Lastly, I acquire sufficient foodstuffs with the remaining amount because I am no longer economically active like before due to my deteriorating health conditions.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a widow, my spouse died over 20 years ago. I gave birth to 12 children, out of the twelve kids ; four are girls and four are boys and four passed on while they were still young. I am now left with my firstborn who is mentally unwell while the others are married. My son is not in a position to afford my basic needs like food and shelter because of his condition. My ambition over the years has been to own a better house where I can sleep comfortably. This is because, I am currently living in a grass thatched house, the walls are almost falling off and water seeps from the roof during rainy seasons. I survive through charcoal work, but due to my old age (83 years), I earn less than KES 300 per week. This makes it impossible to save and build a better house for me. I plan to use KES 50000 to build a better house with two rooms and an iron sheet roof. I will also use KES 20000 to buy a modern bed and a mattress to replace the old ones that do not give me nice sleep. Receiving this money therefore means getting a new and safer house for me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My grand daughter who is living in Palakumi visited me last week. I was very happy because she bought me clothes and 10 kgs of maize. I still have stock and I have not been skipping meals for the last week.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
It is always a joy for every parent to see their children healthy and well, this has not been my case as a result of adequate finance to seek proper medical care for my son who is mentally ill. I am a charcoal burner, a job that earns me as little as KES 300 per month, this amount is not enough to cater to all our needs as most of the money goes on buying food. Therefore, I consider lack of finance as the biggest challenge that I am currently facing.
