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 a few minutes past 8 am when one of my neighbors informed me that GiveDirectly had sent her the promised funds and inquired whether I had received mine. It was at this time that I decided to check my phone and know whether I had any unread messages. My heart was filled with joy upon confirming that I was among the lucky people. This money gave me hope that I would soon fulfill my heart's desire and be a proud owner of a dairy cow.
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 proud owner of a dairy cow. This is my first time ever owning such an asset after I separated from my spouse some years ago. I am glad that it is almost calving and I will start earning money through the sale of surplus. I will in turn use this income to support my children in their education by using it to pay for their school fees.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my first transfer, I spent it to buy a dairy cow worth KES 35000 that is almost calving, spent KES 20000 to rent a shop and to stock it, and used the remaining amount on clothes for my children and food. Buying milk has been my routine and it is costly since I usually spend KES 25 on half a liter daily and it was only enough to use in making tea. I usually depend on working for other people and on Mondays, I would go to our nearest trading centers, buy some items on credit and pay for them in the evening after selling them. The money that I usually get was not enough to pay school fees for my five children and to cater to our daily basic needs. I am happy and grateful to GiveDirectly for enabling me to start up a business that I currently run and have been using the proceeds from it to support my family.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a better living standard through dairy farming. I am a single parent doing casual jobs to raise a family of 6. Three years ago, I bought a piece of land from my savings since then I have had the desire to own a dairy cow. I am planning to use KES 35,000 to purchase a dairy cow from which I can earn money by selling milk and my children will have enough milk for drinking.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I started rearing hens five months ago and this has brought me happiness. I bought six hens which have multiplied to 16. From this I earn money from selling eggs which helps me meet my family's basic needs.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The challenge I am facing currently is raising school fees for my five children in school. After I divorced my spouse in 2017, I have been struggling all alone to provide for them. I earn KES 400 per day which is hardly enough to pay for their school fees and other basic needs such as food.
