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 was sick when I received the money and I felt so grateful for the assistance because there was no money and I was not in a state to even help with my duties around the house let alone in engaging in income-generating activities. Therefore, it was like I had received a miracle the moment I received this money, I had been saved because from it I was able to get the medical attention I needed to be in good health.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference I can cite in my daily life since I started receiving payments from GiveDirectly is the fact that I was able to gain my good health back for there was little or no hope of even being able to hold conversations ever again. I got a goat that I believe will multiply and increase in numbers, which in turn I will be able to depend on in the future to address the challenges that I will face. I am so grateful and happy.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent most of my transfer seeking medical attention because I was so sick at the time I received the money and could not even help with my duties around the house as well as engage in any income-generating activities. This was even worsening my already weakening health because I was suffering psychologically too, therefore, it was a miracle to receive this kind of money that saved me in a way that I can neither comprehend nor tell. I could not be happier and more grateful. I spent a total of KES34000 on medication because I had to spend close to a whole week in-patient. I am, however, now very happy and grateful that I am on the road to recovery and I can even hold conversations comfortably, all thanks to GiveDirectly. I also bought a goat for KES3000 which is an investment that will live on, will multiply and through it, I will always remember the kind of assistance I received from GiveDirectly.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means self-employment. I am a trained tailor and a mother of two relying on my husband who does a charcoal burning business. The business is not reliable because it is seasonal, involving and pays very little. In a good season, he earns KES 5000 and KES 2000 on a bad one. I am planning to spend KES 13,000 to buy a sewing machine, KES 10,000 to rent a premises, and use the remaining amount to purchase stock.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening. This is because I get enough time to rest after doing household chores as well as sharing food with my family. Unlike in the morning and afternoon when I am busy helping my husband preparing logs for charcoal.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have ever faced is food insecurity. This is because I depend on the little income from my husband which can not address all basic needs. Sometimes we sleep without food especially when he has not charcoal to sell. This forces me to borrow food from neighbors. An embarrassing situation.
