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 felt so happy when I got the money because I knew now I was going to get the house that I so much wanted because before I used to sleep outside. I used to feel so bad and stressed because it was exposing my children and I to so many health risks, therefore getting this money was an empowerment that I longed for. We no longer have to worry about where to sleep.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference I can see in my daily life is that we no longer go to bed while hungry, we now get all the three meals a day all thanks to GiveDirectly. I am now happier than before because my children go to school and I know I can depend on them in the future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent most of my transfer on building the house, where I spent a total of KES20000 on iron sheets. I really wanted to build a house because we did not have one before as we were living in a makeshift house that was not very different from sleeping out in the open, which had so many health and security risks. Getting this house is a huge relief to us because we do not have to worry about sleeping outside. I also bought a sack of maize for KES3000 because buying a packet of maize flour is more expensive for the whole family. I paid KES6000 for my two childrens' school fees because I want them to get an education so that they can get employed and be able to help me in the future when i am not able to actively take care of myself.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a descent and a spacious house for my family. The one bedroom house I currently share with my children is not enough for my family. I am planning to use 400 dollars from the GiveDirectly transfer to construct a three bedroom house that is enough for my family. I will later use 200 dollars to furnish my house. I will use the balance to buy 10 indeginous goats for domestic rearing. Once my children grow up, I will sell the goats to educate my children. Doing all this will make me happy.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is the happiest part of my day. After spending the entire day burning charcoal in the forest, I use the evening hours to take a rest and this makes me happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in my life is lack of a descent shelter for my family. Living in a house without a door has made my life miserable. My own security in my own house is endangered.
