GiveDirectly: Send money directly to the extreme poor

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Kahonzi

Country:

kenya

Occupation:

Other

Age:

Campaign

Kenya Standard Remote

Upcoming Stage

Next Payment

Follow to be updated on Kahonzi's next check-in.

Initial Payment

Transfer Amount

55000 KES ($444 USD)

3 months ago

Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?

It was around 4 pm when I heard a message tone from my phone. Being unable to read, I handed over the phone to my helper for clarification and she confirmed that I had received the first transfer from GiveDirectly. My heart was filled with joy and happiness for receiving the transfer knowing the journey with GiveDirectly had successfully started. I ululated in happiness since I was not sure such a piece of luck could land on me.

Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.

Initially, the struggle was real. Getting some food was a big challenge since I solely relied on making and selling charcoals which was not a reliable business. I used to go up to at least three days a week without food. Currently, I am very grateful for the support I received from GiveDirectly because I changed the hunger song I used to sing. I have now taken a break from going to the forest to make charcoals for sale yet I get food not like before. This could not be the case if it were not for GiveDirectly.

What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?

Upon receiving the money, I first opted to build a kitchen. I decided so because I used to get some hard times cooking during rainy seasons. I bought 12 pieces of iron sheets for $114. The kitchen will be of great help to me, especially during the rainy season. Thereafter, I bought three goats for $120 and two sacks of maize for $90. I also paid $80 school fees for my five grandchildren who are orphans and they entirely depend on me. For the remaining amount, I save it for the upkeep of the family.

Enrolled

10 months ago

What does receiving this money mean to you?

I looked at my house and I feel sad. The roof is old while the walls are weak. I am scared that it may fall on me. Receiving this money means a decent house for my household. I am planning to spend the first transfer to buy new iron sheets and materials to erect pillars so that it is strong. Part of the second transfer will help me pay school fees for my granddaughters who are orphans and solely rely on me. The remaining amount will purchase 5 indigenous goats to keep as an investment that is going to assist me in the daily needs of the family.

What is the happiest part of your day?

I was extremely happy when I attended the sensitization meeting for Givedirectly last month. This is because, since the demise of my son, I have been living from hand to mouth with the orphans. I know the transfers will help me to stand forward on their education expenses and be a light in my household.

What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?

I am a widow and old, staying with my grandchildren who are in primary school. Their father died and two years later their mother got married to another man. Since then I have been struggling to cater for their education. I have no strength to work due to my age. I depend on well wishes for assistance, a situation that pains my heart. Sometimes, I feel like my granddaughter will not achieve their dream of going to University. Due to this, a lack of money is the main challenge that I am currently facing.