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?
I received the message alert on my phone when I was on my way back home from fetching water from our nearby water pan. I could not understand its content so I had to wait until when I reached home. Upon reaching home, I called my helper who confirmed to me that it was the transfer from GiveDirectly. I was overwhelmed with joy for receiving my transfer since I was very sure that I will be able to fulfill my ambitions in life.
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 currently enjoying peace of mind after acquiring sufficient food for the family something that has improved our nutrition. I no longer struggle to meet my needs, especially putting food on the table. Previously, skipping meals was a normal thing in the family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent most of my transfer constructing a decent shelter for my family. I purchased the required building materials including 12 iron sheets, building poles, and timbers. Similarly, I also set apart some amount for labor charges. This is because my house was old and had started to collapse. I also spent KES 6000 to boost my livestock rearing by purchasing 2 more goats a long-term investment for myself. In addition, I bought sufficient food for my family. This is because the charcoal vending job could not earn me enough income to fully cater to my basic needs like food. Lastly, I saved KES 10,000 which will assist me to purchase modern bedding. Currently, I am using an old, small traditional thread-twisted bed which is not comfortable to sleep on.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My son's house collapsed 1 year ago. He has been sleeping outside for all that long because he can not share the same house. According to our culture, this is not allowed. This issue has been stressing me as a parent and it has also contributed to health complications ( chest pains). He works as a tapper and his wages of KES 150 in a day can not allow him to construct a house. My dream has been to construct a 2 rooms house for him so that he can live a happy life. Receiving this money means fulfilling the desire. I am planning to consume KES 60,000 on the house. Also, I will spend the remaining amount to practice livestock farming which will be a source of income for my family in the future.
What is the happiest part of your day?
When I heard that the Give directly organization is enrolling households in my village, this brought joy to my life because it is a dream come true. I believe that the transfers will enable me to fulfill my long-time desire of constructing a house for my child.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial instability is the biggest hardship I am currently facing. I am an elderly widow who depends on charcoal burning. My age does not allow me to be more productive in my work. I do not have any alternative way, this has remained to be the only hope. The earnings of KES 450 in a week are not enough to sustain all the needs of my family of 2 members such as shelter.
