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?
Around 6 pm that evening, I had just finished fetching water and settled down to catch my breath when a notification chimed on my phone. Curious, I reached for it and discovered a message from Mpesa. It was my first transfer from GiveDirectly! My heart leaped with joy. At that moment, relief flooded me because I knew the money would finally enable me to pursue my dream of starting a tailoring business, which I had longed for.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Yes, I see a difference, a big one for that matter. The impact of the transfers has been monumental, particularly for my eldest daughter, Margaret, who is in kindergarten. Before receiving the transfers, I struggled to afford her school fees, often forced to budget my $1 daily income between buying food and paying tuition. Consequently, she would miss school for at least two days every month. However, recently I bought a sewing machine and started a tailoring business. I've begun to witness positive changes. The $5 weekly profit from my tailoring, coupled with daily $1 from selling donuts, instills confidence in my ability to sustain her education. This brings me relief, knowing that my daughter can continue her education uninterrupted, just like her peers.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I purchased a sewing machine valued at $190 to start my tailoring venture. Four years ago, I trained in tailoring college but I was yet to obtain the equipment due to financial constraints. Previously, I had a second-hand machine that eventually broke down, leaving me without the means to continue my business. Despite earning daily profit of $1 from selling donuts, saving enough to buy a new machine seemed impossible. With the sewing machine in hand I started doing small tasks like repairing clothes. Weekly, I can earn at least $5 from this endeavor, supplementing the income from my donut sales, which improves my ability to provide for my two children. Moreover, the state of my house had been dire, with its mud walls collapsing. It had gotten to a point when the space would dampen during rainy weather, making it unbearable for my two children. Therefore, I allocated funds to purchase building poles for wall repairs, covering labor and water charges, totaling $150. Additionally, I allocated $70 to buy two mattresses—one for my grandmother and another for myself. Previously, we endured uncomfortable nights, with her sleeping on a mat and me on an old mattress. The remaining funds were used to purchase more utensils for the household and buy more food for my children. We were almost running out of the maize produce we had harvested, and so the transfers came in perfect time. I could never be more grateful!
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access_time 8 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
As a tailor, one thing that I have missed in my life is putting my skills into practice. This is because, since I separated from my husband, I left my sewing machine with him and this has pushed me to stay idle or engage in small casual businesses within the village. I plan to spend a big percentage of my money to ensure I have a decent job. I intend to restart my dress-making at our nearby town and this means buying a new machine and materials. My estimated cost for this project is around $600. This will help me to have a decent life and be able to support my daughter once she rejoins pre-primary school. On the other hand, I will use the remaining amount to construct a one-roomed house for myself to have a better shelter. Also, I will buy a new bed and a mattress for my grandmother. This will bring us a new transformation and eventually, a good life.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Saving $1.5 per day is generally what makes me feel happy because I am currently able to buy my very basic needs as a woman. Since we harvested some maize from the farm this season, I am no longer spending the money from my small business on food. Having the ability to support myself rather than borrowing from relatives is something that I am proud of, and this is what gives my life meaning.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Life has become so tougher since I separated from my husband 6 months ago. This left me with the burden of taking care of my daughter single-handedly, a responsibility that I was not ready for. What a life! Currently, I am involved in selling donuts within the village, a job that I am supported by my sister-in-law. In a day, I make $1.5 which I spend on food and other necessities. Despite having dress-making skills, I lack the capital to start a reliable business that can be sustainable. Hence, I consider the lack of a reliable source of income as my biggest challenge.
