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 remember vividly that day, I had left my phone at home and was busy on my farm wedding my crops. It was around 8 am when I learned that my relatives had received their transfer because of the celebrations all over the village. I had to leave what I was doing and went home to confirm on my phone if had received the transfer like others. I was overwhelmed with joy when I found out that I had received the transfer. I thanked God and the organization for the aid that I had great hope on it to change my life for the better.
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 am currently sleeping on comfortable bedding unlike before something that makes me enjoy my nights. In addition, I am able to meet most of my needs like food without struggling something that makes my life more comfortable.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 14,500 to purchase proper bedding for my family which is a modern bed and mattresses. Previously, we were using mats and traditional threads twisted beds which required constant replacement of threads which is quite costly. I also bought 20 iron sheets for KES 18,000, this was for the construction of a new kitchen since the one I had collapsed and was forced to cook from outside. Furthermore, I bought 2 goats to boost my livestock keeping which I had depended on for my livelihood. Lastly, I bought new clothes for myself since I did not have proper ones and bought enough food with the remaining amount.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My well-being is my uppermost priority. I am a 64 years old lady. In as much as I am still energetic, I will start being less productive as I age. My wish is to still have a source of income when I become unproductive. I plan to purchase 3 goats and 3 cows. This will cost me 40,000 KES approximately. As time goes by, the number of my livestock will grow. Whenever I will want to purchase food or even go to the hospital, I will be selling the animals.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Good health is not something I can buy. I am 64 years old and still, my wellness gives me hope for longer life. I do farming practices on my piece of land. Seeing myself energetic at this age gives me so much peace.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I greatly depend on subsistence farming for food. With the unreliable rainfall in this area, maize production has failed for the past 2 years. This has caused food insecurity in my household. I am glad my sons sometimes support me which a little bit eases the situation.
