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 received the transfer notification early in the morning and when I checked the contents of the message, I realised that I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. I was very happy to receive the money which I knew would later on change my life..
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that the transfer has enabled me to buy two beds and mattresses for my seven children. They were sleeping on old and worn out mats since I couldn't afford to buy for them comfortable bedding. I am happy to see all of them enjoying a comfortable sleep unlike unlike before. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for their financial help.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 25000 of my first transfer on buying two beds and two mattresses to replace the old beddings that my seven children have been using for years. At least they can now afford to sleep on comfortably. I also spent KES 12000 to buy four goats which I am currently keeping in my homestead. I know they will reproduce and help me out in case of a financial need in future like educating my children who are still young. I did some household shopping for my family on clothing, bought some daily foodstuffs and paying for other household expenses.
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Improving the living condition of my family has been my biggest desire. Firstly, education for the children is the top priority; 7 of them are in primary school, and because I do not have a reliable source of light, most instances, they fail to study at night, and this has greatly affected their educational growth. Accordingly, I intend to secure them a durable solar system so that they can have ample time to further their studies through evening coaching and timely completion of school assignments. Besides, I will purchase other necessities like beds and mattresses so that they can sleep comfortably unlike at the moment where they sleep on the floor with worn-out bedding materials. Finally, my husband runs a small kiosk in Bamba, and it is my wish to boost his capital from the current state. Therefore, we will invest the remaining portion in purchasing more commodities for business. And that is what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is the happiest part of my day. Being a housewife, most of the time I engage in household chores. With 7 children to care for, I wake up as early as 6 o'clock to prepare them for school and thereafter ensure they have food by the time they come back in the evening. It is at this moment when things are at ease and I enjoy spending time with them.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of adequate income has been the biggest hardship in life. My husband's kiosk has been our main source of income, and because of that, most of the profit earned in there goes to household needs. And as a result, the business has been struggling -most instances running into unimaginable losses. It has been a frustrating venture and receiving these transfers will change the situation and that of the family for better.
