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.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon recently receiving $550 from GiveDirectly, I was filled with joy and gratitude. I decided to use $250 to build a new house, as our old one was almost falling apart and living there was risky. Now, I have built a comfortable two-bedroom house that is safe and spacious enough for our family of five kids.
I also used $100 to pay school fees for two of my children who are in secondary school. I want them to stay in school and eventually go to university, setting a good example for their younger siblings. I am hopeful that with a good education, they will grow up to be valuable members of society and will be able to help our family in the future.
Additionally, I spent $50 to buy a goat that is almost ready to give birth. Soon, it will multiply into a larger herd. I also used $60 to buy a new mattress. Previously, I did not have a comfortable mattress, but now I can enjoy a good night's sleep.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest change in my life since I started receiving the transfers is the state of my home. Previously, I was living in a house that was almost collapsing, and my family of five kids and I were at risk. Now, I have a good two-bedroom house and a mattress. I live comfortably and sleep with dignity. This brings immense joy and gratitude to GiveDirectly and God.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home with my mother-in-law, sitting together, when I received a message from GiveDirectly. It said I had received $550. I felt so happy and grateful to God and GiveDirectly for this kind of support. I still have the text message and I don’t want to delete it because it means so much to me. The first thought that came to my mind was to finally execute my plan to build a new house, since the one we were living in was already falling apart.
Enrolled
access_time 7 months ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Housing is the current challenge I am facing in life. I live in a two room house which has mud wall. The walk is so weak such that it can be blown by wind anytime. Last year during the elnino rains I was very scared to live in my house because the rain was very heavy. The house really affects mental wellbeing.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My husband does casual jobs at Nairobi and I do subsistence farming. Farming has been a challenge due to drought and this has caused the family to go without food for a while. However last year September, we received rain and planted maize on my one acre piece of land and harvested three bags of maize each 90kg. The food will sustain the family for a whole year. The harvest brought happiness in my life.
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
My husband does casual jobs earning little income at Nairobi and I do subsistence farming. The income caters for school fees for the children. I have five children and are all school. The family lives in a two room house which is not spacious and it leaks during rain season. Three children seek for shelter from neighbors since they are grown-up. This exposes them to risks. I will use $550 to build a two room house with iron sheets. This will change my reputation in the village. I will also use $300 to buy one cow as an investment. This will ensure sustainable source of income since I will be selling milk in the village and earn income.
