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 late in the evening, and I had gone to fetch water from a distant river about 2 kilometres away. I left my phone at home since I was not expecting any calls. When I returned home with the 20-litre jerry can on my back, I decided to check my phone while resting on a nearby seat. To my surprise, I found an unread message. I opened it and saw it was a Mpesa message indicating the receipt of a GD transfer. My heart filled with joy, and I immediately informed my children of the good news. We were all so happy, knowing that our immediate needs would be taken care of. I planned to withdraw the money the next day and buy food for my family. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for bringing such happiness and relief to our lives.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life since I received the transfer is that my life is now filled with optimism about achieving my dream of living in a better house. Although I haven't built the house yet, I am optimistic that the second transfer will enable me to complete it. With the first transfer, I have managed to buy some iron sheets and frames. I will add more materials with the second transfer and start the construction. This new house will offer a more comfortable and beautiful living condition compared to our current small one-room house, which serves as both a living room and a sleeping area for my five daughters. Apart from being congested, the house is at risk of collapsing in heavy winds since its posts are very weak, not firmly installed in the ground, and have been eaten by termites. This situation makes it embarrassing to even invite friends or relatives over. The new house will provide us with much-needed space and security, enhancing our quality of life and restoring my confidence in hosting guests.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
We currently reside in a small, one roomed and old house that serves as both the living room and sleeping area. The house is too small to comfortably accommodate me and my five daughters. Additionally, it is very weak, as its posts and frames have been eaten away by termites, putting it at risk of collapsing at any time. Due to financial struggles, especially as a single mother of seven, I have not been able to build a better house. I rely on irregular casual work and charcoal burning to fend for my family, which barely meets our needs. Upon receiving the first transfer, I saw it as an opportunity to build a more secure, two-roomed house. I spent $72 to buy seven iron sheets and $15 on three frames. I am planning to buy more materials with the second transfer and start the construction. This new house will provide a safer and more comfortable living space for my family. Additionally, I spent $70 on food, ensuring we had enough to eat. Casual work has become rare due to the heavy rains last month that swept away the lands where we usually find labor. The remaining amount was used to buy clothes for my children. Their old clothes were very worn and were very few in number, so the new ones boosted their confidence and made them feel better about themselves.
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access_time 4 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
As the head of my family of eight, charcoal burning is our main source of income. Yet, it is a tough business, especially during the rainy seasons when we have to stop operations. On those days, I take up casual jobs like weeding to earn $2, but it is barely enough for food. When I receive my transfers, I am planning to invest $300 in cultivating my 1-acre piece of land, which has been idle for over five years due to financial constraints. My goal is to provide food security for my family by shifting away from charcoal burning. I am excited about the prospect of achieving both food security and financial stability through agriculture.
What is the happiest part of your day?
As a family of eight, we depend on charcoal burning to earn a living and I am truly grateful for the charcoal harvest 2 weeks ago. Getting three bags instead of my usual one was a blessing. Selling them brought in $16.5, which means I can put food on the table for my family. Raising these children alone is tough, but moments like these remind me of the importance of hard work and resilience. It is a constant struggle, but seeing the results of my efforts makes it all worthwhile. I will keep pushing forward, knowing that every bit counts in providing for my family's needs.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
It has been a tough journey for me lately. Five years ago, I inherited a piece of land from my parents, but I have never been able to cultivate it due to financial constraints. With seven children to support, I rely solely on charcoal burning to make ends meet. On a good month, I barely earn $50, which all goes towards putting food on the table. Sadly, there is never been any extra to save, let alone invest in farming inputs like seeds and fertilizers. It is disheartening that I cannot provide for my family through farming and instead have to depend on seasonal charcoal burning just to get by.
