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 11 pm when I received a notification on my phone on checking, it was a message from Give directly on the first transfer. I was overwhelmed because it came at a time when I needed it. I appreciate Give directly for their generosity.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is owning a cow. This has been the greatest feeling to my family as we can have enough supply of milk and at least can sell to generate income and buy food and clothing without any difficulty. I am happy and grateful for the support that Givedirectly has given to us and looking forward to the second transfer.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had been struggling to purchase at least two liters of milk to sustain my family for a long time because I had no cow on my field to supply us enough milk, It forced me to go and till their land to get milk in exchange. I just prioritized purchasing a dairy cow worth Kshs, 38,000 after receiving the first transfer which has been a great help to my family. With the remaining amount, I bought food and clothes for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
In June this year, I lost a cow to east coast fever disease. It was the source of my livelihood as it was producing 7-liters of milk every morning. I could comfortably earn KES 200-250 through the sale of milk and this money could help me buy food for my three children. Right now I have to do casual jobs, like planting and weeding in other people's farms to sustain myself. This is tedious and sometimes not guaranteed. I have a desire to own another cow but my job cannot raise KES 35000 that is required for that to happen. Receiving this money will enable me to achieve the dream of having a cow in my compound once again.
What is the happiest part of your day?
We have an investment group here in the village where we go round each member's house and contribute for them money so that they can spend it on whatever they wish. Last month it was my turn and I got KES 9000 from members. I was able to buy food like maize flour, cooking oil, and even buy some clothing for my children and this made me so happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is the greatest challenge that I currently face. Eating patterns have changed and as things stand I cannot afford three meals a day. Many times I skip lunch so that I can get to enjoy supper with my children when they are back from school. I go round the village doing casual jobs like planting, weeding, or even harvesting in other people's farms. The people I work for take advantage of me and pay as little as KES 50 even after working for the whole day.
