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 learned that I had received my first transfer at exactly 6 in the morning. I was overwhelmed with joy since I knew the money would transform my life in so many ways.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life that I will always be proud in mentioning is the fact that I now own goat which I am currently rearing in my compound. I opted in keeping them because first, they normally reproduce twice a year, secondly, their offerings mature faster as compared to other domestic animals. Lastly, they require minimal management. Therefore I am hopeful that they will multiply and increase in number very soon. In the near future, I will sell the offsprings once they mature and generate an income. This will enable me to cater to my family's needs without straining. I will forever be grateful to GiveDirectly for bringing such an impact in my life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some building materials such as iron sheets, building poles, timber and threads. Thus was for the construction of a new house for my children. Previously they used to seek shelter fro their friends which were so stressful considering that my house was not spacious. I later bought four goats as the living assets that I can lean on. I also saved KES 23000 of the transfer for my children's school fees. In addition, I also bought some new mattresses to replace the worn-out mats that I have been using. The remaining amount of money bought enough foodstuffs and some new clothes for children.
Enrolled
access_time 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Being able to adequately sustain the needs of the family has been my biggest desire. At the moment, I depend on subsistence farming, and because of unreliable climatical conditions, it has been incredibly difficult to get considerable yields, and as a result, the needs of the family are not sustained. Receiving this money will enable me to start an income-generating activity that will see my two children who are in college and primary levels respectively get the best education moving forward. Accordingly, I will use the first transfers to put up a hotel business within the village. The rest will help in house construction and meeting other basic needs like food
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is the happiest part of my day. It is at this moment when I share dinner with my family and this informs the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Coming from a polygamous household, the support I get from the spouse is dismal and in most cases, I'm left to care for the family by myself. Sometimes, the burden is overwhelming and forgoing some basic things in order to survive is inevitable. Therefore, lack of financial support from my spouse has been the biggest hardship in life.
