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.
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Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($533 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
attach_money
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
I am happy now because before the coming of GiveDirectly, I was using kerosene lamps which was expensive to me, due to the daily expenses on this. Currently, I am using a solar panel to light my household. I no longer buy kerosene, because the solar serves a good purpose by relieving me from the daily expenditure on kerosene. and this makes it to be the biggest difference in my daily life.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I heard my phone ringing notifying me of a message. Since I couldn't not comprehend the contents of the message, I later on called my helper who confirmed to me that I had received my first transfer. I felt happy for the financial support.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer to purchase a solar panel to provide lighting in my household. I was frequently buying kerosene which was expensive to me. The solar has completely changed my livelihood by relieving me from the daily expenditure on kerosene. I also gave KES 10000 to my son to get a driving license which will enable him to secure an employment as a driver.I am planning to buy some goats to keep in my homestead. In addition, I am spending the remaining amount to purchase foodstuffs and paying for other household expenses.
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means my grandson can finally join a driving school and get the skills required to start his own motorcycle taxi. I also plan to get him the motorcycle with this cash, I will make a down payment and he will clear the balance from the earnings when it starts operations. We will then be able to meet food and other expenses with much ease since I am no longer economically active due to old age. It will also help in keeping him focussed so he does not succumb to peer pressure and engage in bad behavior such as dealing drugs or excessive drinking.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Morning is the happiest part of my day because my grandson is always around and even makes me breakfast. However, he leaves home afterwards and comes back late at night which worries me a lot.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship is insufficient finances to provide for our needs such as food and education. After my daughter got married, she left me with her son who was born out of wedlock whom I have been raising ever since. Back then, I was still active and would do casual jobs at construction sites so I could feed and pay his school fees. As years went by, I grew older and weaker and could not work any longer. Unfortunately, he had to drop out of school because I couldn't support him anymore. He now sits around idle with young men his age and am scared he might go into bad behavior if he does not find something meaningful to engage in.
