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?
It was around 4 pm when the kids were arriving home from school. I had just arrived home from fetching water from the nearby water points. I heard my mobile phone ringing, I was curious to know the content of the messages since it was at such a time when GiveDirectly promised to send us the transfer. My helper check my phone and informed me that I had received the transfer. I was so excited about receiving the transfer and rejoiced with my family members for the opportunity to change our life for the better.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Owning proper beddings for my family is the biggest difference in my daily life. This is because I was a small traditional bed which was uncomfortable to sleep on. I was always feeling body pain after waking up. I am currently pleased to own comfortable beddings.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had desired to own proper beddings for my family, this is because I was using a small traditional bed which was not enough to accommodate me and my . I spent KES 10,000 to purchase a bed and mattress. In addition, I used KES 15,000 to construct a decent house for my son who was seeking shelter from the neighborhood something that worried me so much. I also saved KES 10,000 for any emergency that might arise. With the remaining amount, I bought enough food for the family.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have my child who is in secondary school and I has some school fees balance of 17,000 KES. I will settle the fees so that my son can enjoy his education without being sent home frequently because of school fees. I will buy a very comfortable bed and a mattress of size 5×6 inch so that I sleep comfortably with my husband. The second transfer I will buy high breed goats Worthy 30,000 KES because they do well in our area as compared to cattle and the remaining amount I will buy new clothes for me and my husband and have a stock of food in my house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Nothing has brought joy or happiness in my life because I am expiriencing the same problems come year after another. I am now 62 years and my husband is 71 years and we do not get any relief food or any money for the aged. We are living a very difficulty life.I am still struggling with charcoal burning business which is very straneous to me and my body has no strength to do this work.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Living without money and food in the house is a big challenge. Sometimes me and my husband fall sick and we are unable to treat ourselves or buy medicines or go to the hospital. We are expiriencing food shortage in my house, sometimes we go to bed without food if my older son does not assist us on this. My youngest son sometimes is sent away from school and I don't have money ; I have to struggle to give him some money so that he can settle his school fees.
