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 biggest difference in your daily life.
My life has greatly changed ever since I received this support from GiveDirectly. Initially, I was struggling to fulfil the household basic needs such as foodstuffs and clothing for my family, because the little wages I earned from my casual job could not fully cater for the vast household needs. I have enjoyed a peaceful time after getting this financial support. I bought adequate foodstuffs enough to feed my family daily and clothing for the whole family. In addition, I replaced my old bedding with a new wooden bed and a mattress to sleep on comfortably. I now enjoy my sleep and also get enough rest.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was very early in the morning when I heard my phone buzz. This was an indication that I had received a message. Reluctantly, I picked it up to read the content and to my surprise, I had received Kes 55000 from Give Directly as promised before. I jumped out my bed and shouted ''God is faithful'', we celebrated with my family as we thanked Give Directly for the financial support that was going to turn our lives around.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
Before GiveDirectly came to us, I was sleeping on an old and worn out bedding that I could not replace due to lack of money. Because of this, immediately I received my first transfer, I rushed to purchase a new wooden bed and a mattress to replace the old ones. In addition to this, I also purchased adequate foodstuffs that would take us much longer. Previously, I could not provide adequate food for my family because the wages I was getting were not enough compared to the vast household needs. I am planning to buy goats soon to rear them in my homestead as long term assets.
Enrolled
access_time almost 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My longest desire has been to own a shop business but this dream has never materialized due to financial constraints. Despite being a form four leaver, I am forced to be a casual labourer within the village in order to feed my wife and I. My daily job as a house constructor is very tiresome yet its income is very low that can not support our needs. Receiving this money from GiveDirectly means reshaping my life for the better. I plan to start a shop business at Bandari center in order to have a reliable source of income and also to use part of my transfers in buying ten goats. This will transform my life and hence, this is basically what does receiving this means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I feel that, the best part of my day is in the morning. This is because when I wake up, I have all the energy to do my casual activities that give me my daily meals. I spend the whole afternoon at work something that makes me feel so exhausted in the evening. Therefore, morning is the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Having completed form four, I had great hopes in my life but all my dreams were in vain when my father passed away. This forced me to engage in teaching as a PTA teacher in contract basis which also came to termination three years ago. I am now doing casual jobs within the village but they pay very little such that, it can not support our family's basic needs. Therefore, I consider lack of reliable source of income as my biggest hardship.
