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 clearly remember the day I received my transfer from GiveDirectly. It was 3 p.m., and I was resting at home after a long, hot day on the farm when my phone suddenly rang. Curious, I checked it and was overjoyed to see that GiveDirectly had sent me money. I was filled with happiness, and the excitement of all the possibilities rushed through me. Right away, I started thinking about how to use the funds wisely, especially to help pay for my grandmother's hospital bill. Receiving that transfer was a life-changing moment for me. I'm so grateful for the support from the organization, which has made such a big difference in my life.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest change in my daily life is that my children now have a comfortable place to sleep since I was able to buy a bed and mattress. Before, we used to sleep on the floor, which was hard. I also managed to stock up on food, so now we can have at least two meals a day. Before this, we could only afford to eat once a day. I am forever grateful for the support that has brought smiles in our faces.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I separated from my husband a long time ago, and since then, I’ve had to take care of my children on my own. Life has been difficult, trying to meet all their needs by myself. I work as a community mobilizer and have three children. When I received my most recent transfer, the first thing I did was pay $100 for my grandmother’s hospital bill. Sadly, she passed away, but I was relieved to have been able to settle her medical expenses. With the remaining money, I bought a bed and a mattress for $70 because my children had been sleeping on the floor, which was tough for them. I also used the rest of the funds to buy food. This transfer has truly changed our lives, and I am forever grateful for the support that has made things easier for my family.
Enrolled
access_time 4 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Planting grass is a lucrative idea, we plan to add more acreage. It will add more income to our family through grass or seed sales. We plan to add an acre more costing approximately $300. This will include fencing, tilling and planting.
Our house is small, and we need an extra room for our children. Building an extra room can cost about $350, materials have risen over the last few years. When we have a good home we'll be able to enjoy life and even host guests comfortably.
Livestock farming does well here, we plan to add more goats and chicken. The dry climate is conducive for them. We'll use the rest of the transfer to buy more chicken and about five goats. This will act as a cushion during tough times or be sold to fund our children's education in the future.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Growing grass is ideal here, we have an acre of grass. We sell the seeds and also prepare hay for sale. It's also easier to maintain since you only plant once every five years. The grass plantation has been assisting us get money to support our family. It brings joy and happiness to me when I see our grass growing well.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
We live near Lake Baringo, the lake has been expanding over the last decade. Due to this, we lost our farming land. Lacking or being forced to borrow land to plant crops has affected our ability to provide food for our family. The space we have now is not conducive for farming because of the long drought seasons. Inadequate of water also means we cannot do irrigation here like besides the lake.
