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 11 am, I was alone in the house after all my kids had gone to school and my husband had gone to his work as a hospital gardener. I had completed my morning chores preparing breakfast before relaxing. I heard a knock on the door, after opening it was my neighbor who informed me that she had received the transfer. After examining my phone I was overwhelmed with joy after noticing that I had received my money on my account too.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am now a happy parent after clearing the fee balances of my 2 children. They were able to return to school to resume their studies something that relieved me from the stresses. In addition, I bought a cow which will help me in supporting the education of little children who are still in primary school.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The transfer came at a time when my 2 children who are in secondary school were at home due to school fees problems. I spent KES 30,000 to clear all the fees arrears. Currently, they are focusing on their studies without any interruption something that makes me happy. In addition, I used KES 13,500 to purchase one indigenous dairy cow. My long-term goal is to assist me in educating my 3 small children who are in primary school. Similarly, I will have enough milk supply for my family's use. With the remaining amount, I bought enough food stock for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means food security to my family of 8. I planning to spend 40,000 shillings to purchase a pair of oxen and a plow which is going to enable me to cultivate more acres, especially during rainy seasons. Presently, I only concentrate on digging 1 acre because I depend on local tools which are tiresome and not effective enough for digging a large piece of land. By doing this I believe that the land will produce more harvest and have enough food for my family which can last for a year. Also, I can hire them to cultivate people's land and earn at least 2000 shillings per acre which will be a source of income. Other than that, I am going to spend the remaining amount to expand my business and seek proper medication from referral hospitals.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Afternoon is the happiest part of the day. This is because I enjoy the warm temperature from the sun and makes me feel okay considering my health status. Unlike in the morning when it's too cold.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have been in and out of hospital for almost 13 years now because I suffer from ulcers. My health has deteriorated because I am under medication throughout. The drugs are also expensive. This has been so hard for me because I can not save any cash. Therefore, sickness is my biggest challenge.
