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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($436 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
After accomplishing my main goals in life with the help of cash aid from GiveDirectly. The other goal that I have this year is to purchase proper modern bedding for myself. I am planning to purchase a bed and mattress. At the moment, I spend my nights on the floor using rags as bedding which is not comfortable at all.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly, in my opinion, did a good job by conducting community training and informing us when we could anticipate the money. This has assisted us in making the right choice. We also had the flexibility to choose how to meet our needs because the transfer was unconditional. I think they shouldn't change anything about the whole process.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent the recent transfers to complete the construction of my two-roomed house which I had started with the first transfer. I used most of the second transfer on paying the labour charges and purchasing additional iron sheets. Earlier, I was living in a small house which was leaking during the rainy season. I had spent sleepless nights moving my bedding from one corner of the house to another when it rains at night. Nowadays, I am glad that I reside in a nice house unlike before. In addition, I spent the remaining amount to construct a small, decent one-room house for my grandchild who was sleeping in a tiny house that was collapsing posing a danger to his life.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($498 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at my home relaxing under my shade after completing my household chores. I received some follow-up messages on my phone. Being old and unable to read, I called my helper to interpret them for me. I was overwhelmed with joy when he break the good news that I had receiving my transfer.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life is that I am delighted to see the ongoing construction of a new shelter for myself. I can't wait to see myself living in a comfortable irony roofed house like others in the village when the construction is complete. I am very grateful to GiveDirectly for the transfer.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer to construct a decent house for myself. This is because the house that I had was leaking due to the rotten status of its grass-top. Despite the fact that it was leaking it had been infested by termites and was about to collapse. I had to desire to construct a decent house but I lacked the finances. In addition, I spent KES 8400 to purchase iron sheets to construct a small house for my grandchild. The remaining amount assisted me in purchasing food.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am just braving in a house that is leaking because the roof is grass-thatched which is open on one side. I have desired to construct a decent house that can spare me from the nights' cold and also relieve me from the burden of shifting my bed during the rainy seasons. I intend to spend my first transfer ($500) to construct an iron-roofed house and this will mean good health to me since I will no longer get rained on. A big portion of the second transfer ($300) will help me to buy 2 indigenous dairy cows that will help me to get milk for my household consumption, also for sell to get income. The remaining amount will cater to other basic needs like food and nice beddings. Hence, this is generally what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My day is occupied mostly with the household chores like fetching water, cooking, and collecting firewood. I do all these activities in the morning and afternoon hours. In the evening, I find myself relaxed and get in my bed after taking my dinner. This is the time when I get happier because of the ample time to rest. Hence, the evening becomes the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Being a widow with no reliable source of income has been the biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life. This has made me appear desperate to my neighbors since I mostly seek help for food from them when my children fail to send me money. I have always felt to be a burden to them but I am now a happy person after knowing that, soon I will have my cows that will be providing me with milk for sale to earn me income.
