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 exactly 4 pm when had just come home from a parent meeting at our nearby primary school. I had left my phone in the house charging. Upon returning, I decided to check to see if had gotten any communication. I was so surprised when I noticed a Mpesa message on my phone indicating that I had received my transfer from GiveDirectly. It was a very happy moment for my entire family and we celebrate receiving our transfer.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Seeing the various building materials laying outside my house gives me hope that I will be able to own a new modern house like others. Before I was residing under a leaking grass-roofed house which requires frequent maintenance and is costly. I am very grateful for the aid that will restore my self-esteem.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My priority when I received my transfer was to pay off the school fee arrears for the kids. For over two terms, I had not been able to pay the school, because my husband's job of traditional wine tapping was greatly affected by the drought conditions we currently face. I spent KES 8,000 to clear the fee arrears as well as bought new school uniforms for my 4 children who are still in primary. They were going to school in old torn clothes something very embarrassing. I also bought 18 iron sheets and nails for KES 18,000 this was for renovating my house by replacing the grass roof which leaks with an iron-roofed one that is more permanent. I also bought equate food for some households items.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am living in a single room grass thatched house of which it cannot accommodate my family. I have a family of seven children and the first one is a girl aged 18 years now. I feel very disappointed for sleeping with such aged daughter together in the same room. I have been dreaming to have a bigger house which could accomodate my family but invain. My husband is a palm wine tapper and the revenue he earns cannot sustain the needs of my family. My daughter who is in class 8 is currently at home because of school fee challenges.
Receiving this money means I will settle the problem of school fees for my children, rebuild my house so that I add 2 extra rooms and then plan for food security for my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
We celebrated the Christmas together with all my family. I ate Chicken with rice and this brought joy and happiness to me because we had not eaten this meal for two years.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity, school fees payments and living in a squeezed house with my family is the challenges am facing in life.
