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?
The moment I received the first transfer I was so happy and I really couldn't hold my joy. It was around 7 AM when we were taking breakfast with my children when I received the good news. Without wasting time, I started planning on how I could spend the money.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The major difference in my daily life is that I now own an ox that I acquired through the transfer I received from GiveDirectly. Had it not been this financial support, I wouldn't have managed to buy the oxen considering my poor financial status. I mainly depend on subsistence farming and I believe the bulls will help me in the early preparations of my farm as well as ploughing. I am hoping to fully cultivate and utilize my farm to get enough produce which will ensure food security to my family and I can as well sell the surplus and generate an income.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some beddings such as a bed and mattress. This was to replace the old mats that I have been for all those years I was married. I then bought an ox that will be in my agricultural activities. This is because previously I used to hire a pair of oxen from friends which were very expensive and sometimes I could not afford it. To add on that I cleared school fees for my children so that they can study without any distractions concerning fees. Then bought some sufficient foodstuffs for my family.
Enrolled
access_time 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means uninterrupted education for my son who recently joined secondary school. We have a deficit of 32,000 shillings to pay to the school. With the rest of the money, I will buy oxen worth 30,000 shillings, beddings 20,000 shillings and spend the balance on food expenses.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My best time of day is morning when I go to the farm to harvest my yield from last season. It gives me joy that my kids have something to eat for a few months.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship is lack of finances to keep my children in school. I'm a stay at home mum depending on my eldest son to provide for me and his siblings. This has been a huge financial burden on him especially the secondary school fees for his brother. His brother has had to skip school a few times for lack of fees.
