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 the moment I received the transfer from GiveDirectly. I definitely knew that all my dreams are now coming true which including owning the pair of oxen.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Owning the pair of oxen has brought the biggest difference in my daily life. This is because they will support in ploughing my land with easy and planting the crops in time. Previously I used to hire from my neighbors which were a bit costly and most of the time I could not afford it. This means I had to use my own hands in tilling the land which was tiring. I am now grateful because the pair has brought a big relief to me, courtesy of GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some livestock as such as pair oxen at a total of KES 32000. Since I am a farmer, I have been longing to have my own pair for long, but I could not afford it because of my financial status. I am also planning to start of businesses of selling some vegetables within my village and get an income. The remaining portion of the money, I am using it in buying sufficient foodstuffs for my family and some other household items.
Enrolled
access_time 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Food security is generally what I have really desired to have in my family and my ambition as of now is to buy an oxen that can enable me to prepare my farm in time. To fulfill this, I will use a maximum of $300. My other plan is to spend $400 to construct a spacious semi-permanent house that can accommodate even my visitors because the one I currently have is small. Having done this, my life will be in a good standard that I have always wished. The remaining amount will help me to cater for other basic needs like food, clothing, and beddings.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Happiness to me comes when I have something for my family to eat. Considering my work which requires me to hustle before I get my pay, I find evening being the happiest part of my day when I am back home with food. Unlike in the morning and afternoon hours when I am busy at my working site.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of a reliable source of income that can fully support my family needs is generally my biggest hardship. This is because as of now, I do casual activities that are very tiresome and low paying. In addition, these activities are hard to find and sometimes I may miss food for the family something that gives me pressure and I am always pissed off.
