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 while taking an afternoon nap that's when I heard a message alert on my phone. As soon as I heard the alert I called for my helper who confirmed I had received KES 55,000. I was very happy and grateful to God for such a lump sum.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I received the transfers is happiness. This is because I have cleared a debt that caused me stress for two years. Additionally, the transfers have enabled me to buy adequate food for my family hence we have grown healthier than before.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Before GiveDirectly, a neighbor had given them a lump sum amount of money to keep safely for him. Instead of keeping, I used the money to pay school fees for my kids. As a result, he is been bothering me for two years even when I decided to pay him a half he was adamant. So when GiveDirectly transfers came I
spent KES 20,000 on clearing the debt and now I am stress-free.
Secondly, I also spent KES 20,000 on building a modern 20 Iron roofed house. This is because I have been living in an old large grass thatched roof built over 40 years ago. Though it's big enough to accommodate my family, the grass thatched roof is worn out and usually leaks during rainy seasons.
Thirdly, I also spent KES 8,400 on two bags of maize meal. The remainder will sustain us for the next two months. Earlier we used to rely on sweet potatoes and maize farming for household consumption.
Lastly, I also spent KES 5,000 on the latest clothing fashion which is more decent than before.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Due to old age, we desire to live the rest of our lives comfortably. My husband and I cannot do chores to earn a living hence solely depending on farming which is not productive enough to raise money for building a good house. Living in a small grass-thatched house with a porous roof has been giving me sleepless nights due to cold. My prayers will be answered through Givedirectly's transfers as I will build a two-roomed iron-roofed house and a separate kitchen. The rest of the money will go into buying two dairy goats and foodstuffs for my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
For the longest time, I have been hearing about Give directly working in the neighboring villages and how other people's lives have improved after receiving the transfers. I hoped that one day I will be among those who will get the money, that has come to pass. This has brought me happiness as I know my life and that of my family will change for the better.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
With old age, a balanced diet and nutritious food are what we need. But it is difficult being old and unable to do jobs to earn pay at the same time living in a semi-arid area where land is not productive. Food insecurity is a challenge since our farms do not yield enough food due to poor climatic conditions. Sometimes we forego three to one meal a day which is not good for our health.
