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 8 in the morning when I was taking breakfast with all my family members as usual when I heard a loud vibration from my cellphone. My spouse was sitting right beside the phone he decided to check who it was. We did not believe our eyes after realizing that the first cash transfer had been sent. I couldn't hold my joy and I remember we all stopped what we were doing and started celebrating this fortune.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now have a decent house that can accommodate all my family members. I got married forty years ago and I have never enjoyed my marriage life due to the condition of our house. My children were always forced to sleep at their friend's houses which was so stressful. They never had privacy and even ample space to study at night. In addition, whenever it could rain I used to shelter at my cowife house or squeeze at one corner of my house till the rains stops. To make the matter worse I am jobless and sick, therefore my cowife has been the breadwinner of our family. This indicates that it would take ages for me to construct a decent house. I am grateful for coming into my life at the time I needed help the most. As a family, we are happy for this precious gift( house) which has restored our dignity.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent a better portion of my first transfer on buying building materials such as building poles, timber, threads, iron sheets, and labor charges which cost around KES 29000. I had intended to build a new modern house because the initial one had a leaky roof and it was not a spacious one. I have been a laughing stock in the village because of my situation. Also, I bought new plastic chairs at KES 1300 because previously I have been using mats which were a bit embarrassing especially when I had a visitor. In addition, I bought new clothes and shoes which have even restored my self-esteem. With the remaining amount of money, I bought foodstuffs for my family which took us a couple of days.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I stay in a grass thatched 3m by 3m house. The roof leaks during rains forcing me to look for accommodation. Additionally, the house lacks ventilation since it has no windows. It is my habit to lit fire inside the room for warmth during the night. The smoky room makes it difficult to have sound sleep. Approximately KES 60 000 of the GiveDirectly transfers will support me in erecting a two-bedroom iron-roofed house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have been living a hopeless life. I was sleeping in my house three days ago. My grandchild woke me up to attend a meeting. I was reluctant. After some minutes I chose to attend. I was so joyful on hearing of the coming of GiveDirectly into our village, an organization that gives out uncondional cash transfers. Since that date, I have been anticipating the officers. I have not left the house save for taking calls.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I was blessed with two sons. After getting married, they all moved to town with their families. Since my husband is old and sick, I have been forced to take care of him mostly through begging from relatives and donations from neighbors. I take meals based on what I receive in a day. This has seen us skip meals (taking lunch only). Lack of stable financial support is the greatest problem we face currently.
