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 can still remember just like the other day at exactly 7 in the evening when I was busy preparing dinner when my elder son called out my name joyously. I suspect there was some good news and I patiently responded waiting to hear what the matter was. He later informed me that I had finally recived my first transfers as promised earlier during the enrolment. At first, I thought it was a joke and I had to confirm sung my own eyes. I was extremely happy becasue I knew I would achieve a lot. Due to the excitement that we had, we could barely sleep.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I m now happier and hopeful in life. Through the cash transfers, I have been able to construct a decent house that I am currently sheltering in. It has always been my dream to at least renovate the previous one to at least protect ourselves from the direct sun rays and the heavy rains but I couldn't afford to fulfill this because of my financial status. I have been married for over ten years and it has been hectic all along. Having a family of twelve members, depending on my spouses for all our household needs has never been easy. He could barely meet all our daily needs including foodstuffs. Therefore this would clearly mean that it would be difficult for us to build a modern house using our own cash. I am currently a happy mither becasue at least t I am enjoying the joy in my marriage. Also, my children no longer move from one compound to the other seeking shelter. We are now peacefully ling as a family under one roof.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my forst transfer on buying some building materials which include twenty pieces of iron sheets KES 20000, building poles, timber, and nails at 25000, and labor costs 10000. I had to purchase all these to construct a new modern house because the previous one was very old and it would collapse anytime and that was my biggest fear. Some of my children had to stay at their grandmother's houses which were also small and they never have privacy all over. With the little amount that has remained, I bought enough foodstuffs for my family that would sustain us for the days few days. I am happy GiveDirectlky finally transformed my life positively.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means food security in my household.This is because I do farming in a 1 acre piece of land which does not produce enough yields, since I am using traditional hoes.The produce is almost 3 bags of 90kgs which takes 2.5 months for a family of 7 members.I am planning to spend Kshs.45000- to buy two indiginous cows and a plough so that I can farm a big piece of land that will produce enough harvest to sustain my family.I will also use the remaining transfers to pay school fees for my children and other basic needs such as food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning.This is because at this time, My mind is fresh and full of energy.Unlike in the afternoon and evening hours where I spend the day doing household chores and sometimes I assist my husband preparing charcoal at the farm. Thus in the evening I feel tired and retire to bed.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have ever faced in my life is food insecurity.Thus is because I have a family of 7 members and rely on my husband who does casual job of charcoal burning.Sometimes the charcoals are taken in credit and wait for along time before he received payment.Due to this I have been struggling to get food for my household, forcing me to seek help from realtives, something that has made me feel ashamed.
