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 was just relaxing at home after a busy day. It was around 5pm when my daughter came to inform me that GiveDirectly has sent the money. I felt so happy because I have never received such amount of money before. I knew I would be able to buy building materials and build a decent house. I lived in grass thatched house and I had wished to have a decent house. I am so grateful for the support because GiveDirectly has changed our living standards.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Being in a position to purchase building materials and build a better house is the biggest difference in my daily life. This is because I used to live in a small grass thatched house. I had always wished to own a better house but it was not possible because I did not have the money. This was so demoralizing and stressful. When GiveDirectly came to our village I knew this was my opportunity to fulfill my dream. I used all the transfer on purchasing building materials and paid the workers who constructed the house. Currently I have a decent and spacious house and I feel good. I no longer being exposed to dusty particles like before since I have cemented the floor.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent all the transfer on purchasing building materials and build a better and spacious house. I lived in grass thatched house. I had always wished to own a better and decent house. Whwneve I have visitors I am so happy to invite them to my house. I used to shy off because my house was not good. I am so grateful for the support because GiveDirectly has enabled me to fulfilled my dream of owning a better house.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a good shelter for me.I live in a small grass thatched house which leaks during rainy season. The house gets wet and moisten during rains and this gives me colds and chest congestion . Because of my old age I spend most of my time sleeping and this necessitates a good house for me.Moreover the search for grass to renovate the house is too hectic and costly for me because I cannot do the work myself. Therefore I will use KES 40000 to build a new house .
What is the happiest part of your day?
The relationship between me and my children has brought me joy. In this moment of old age my children have come in handy to support me in terms of basic needs and moral support and this has brought me happiness in the past 6 months.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is the biggest challenge am currently facing.I am too old to fend for myself and hence I depend on my children to feed me .These children also have their families to take care of and hence sometimes I may go without food .The inadequacy of food has resulted in my health deteriorating in the past year.
