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 6:30 pm I was in town when I heard a message notification from my phone. When I checked out it was a message confirming that I have received some money from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy because I have never received such an amount of money before. I immediately went back home to inform my spouse. When she heard it she was so happy and grateful. We knew we would be able to buy the materials and build a better house. We aligned and the following day I went and withdrew the money.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is building a better house. We lived in a small grass thatched house which could not host all my family members comfortably. I was so worried since whenever we have visitors there was no space to host them. The house was leaking and we were being exposed to cold. I have always wanted to own a decent and spacious house but this was not possible since there was no money to purchase the building materials. I depend on small-scale farming I plant vegetables and maize. The produce was so small and it was only for consumption. When I received the transfer from GiveDirectly I felt so happy because this was the opportunity to build a better house. I was able to purchase all the materials that were needed and pay the workers. Currently, we live in a better and more spacious house. We are no longer being exposed to cold life before. I am no longer shy to welcome visitors into my house since there is enough space. I am so grateful for the support because GiveDirectly has changed our living standards.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 40,000 on purchasing the building materials and paying the workers who constructed the house. I lived in a small grass thatched house which could not house all my family comfortably. I was so worried since we were being exposed to cold. I had no savings or source of income to build a better house. Currently, I have a decent and spacious house. We are no longer being exposed to cold and we live comfortably. The remaining amount of money I spent on food and a household item. We are so grateful because GiveDirectly has enabled us to fulfill our dreams.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a man living with epilepsy and I have not sought proper medication because I do not have money. Ever since since it was discovered 7years ago, I have resorted to using traditional herbs that have not addressed the problem. The condition has also deprived me the chance of engaging in any meaningful activity like agriculture to earn a living. I intend to use KES 20,000 from my transfer to seek medication for my condition with the hope that I will be well at last. Receiving this money will be a renewed hope that I will be okay and regain a good health once again.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Getting enrolled by GiveDirectly is something that has given me happiness that I have lacked in a long time. I did not expect that I will make it to the list of people who are going to get this transfer.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am an epileptic man and living with this condition comes with a fair share of challenges. Every time I get attacks which creates brain disorder making me fall down. I leave with fear that I might get such attacks when I go to fetch water which may lead to disastrous harm such as death. My wife could not stay with me and she left when she discovered that I was a useless man who could not provide.
