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 biggest difference in your daily life.
Now that I own a few goats I feel that life is now better. Nowadays I can take loans or items on credit with ease compared to when I didn't have any asset a few months ago. I settled in keeping them because they have numerous benefits. They also reproduce faster compared to any other domestic animal. Their pasture is also readily available and they can survive in any type of climatic condition. They also require little supervision's this means they won't hinder me from doing other activities despite having them. My plan is to sell the offsprings in order to meet both my long term and short term goals such as paying school fees for my son. I will also be getting some manure from them which will help my farm to be more productive. Generally, I believe my living standard will also improve because of these goats.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 7 am when I heard a loud vibration from my mobile phone. I decided to check what the message was all about, then realized it was an mpesa message from GiveDirecttly. I was very happy and grateful. There are no words to express how happy I was at that moment. I was so sure I will achieve a lot from financial support. May God continue blessing this company so that they continue helping other people in other areas.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of the first transfer on buying ten goats at KES 3000. I have been yearning to keep them for a long period of time but due to the financial difficulties, I could not afford to buy them. I then paid school fees for my son because he has been sent home from time to time due to fee arrears. This was really affecting him because he could at times miss lessons and fail exams. I then started a business of selling some sisal to the local market. Since I am a widow this will be my source of income which will help me provide for my family. With the remaining amount of money, I will buy enough foodstuffs that will last for long because buying food in bulk is cheaper than buying in bits
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My desire is to see my granddaughter get an education up-to university level. Her story is quite a sad one as her mother left her while she was still an infant so that she could get married again to a different man. I want to take good care of her so that she never feels her parents' absence. With this money, I will feed her, clothe her, build a bigger house for us to comfortably live in and buy indigenous goats as future financial security for her needs such as education.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening after my granddaughter comes home from school, we talk, laugh, prepare supper and eat together. It really helps me to drive my loneliness away.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
As a widow with no source of income and too old to engage in any economic activity, taking care of my grandchild who was abandoned by her mother has been quite challenging. I mostly rely on neighbors and well wishers for our needs such as food, clothing, water and her educational wants such as books, uniform, fees etc. It pains me that I cannot provide for her but am grateful GiveDirectly's timely intervention will ensure I give my granddaughter a better future.
