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.
I was previously seeking shelter from my son's house for a long time for the house I was previously living in collapsed due to wear and tear. Through the transfer, I was able to construct a new house and relieve me of the torment and embarrassment that I went through over the years. To me, owning a new house is the biggest difference in my daily life.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received the notification early in the morning as I was at my farm attending to my crops. I got a message notification and later on checking, I confirmed that it was from GiveDirectly informing me that I had received my first transfer. I was very happy that finally, I have received the money I have been gladly waiting for.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer to purchase iron sheets and other building materials so as to construct a new house to live in. Initially, I had a one but because it was grass thatched and unstable, it collapsed leaving me houseless. I stayed without a house for a long time after which I opted to seek shelter from my son's house which was very embarrassing to me. I was not comfortable living there until GiveDirectly came to our village and through this support, my new house is near completion and soon I will be moving into it. In addition to building a new house, I also purchased three goats to keep and I am hoping that they will increase in number and in case of any financial needs, then, I would be able to settle it with much ease. I also bought a mattress to replace the old one that I was sleeping on which was not only worn out but also uncomfortable. I spent the rest of the money to do shopping for my family to meet some basic needs for them and other necessities.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My mud walled house is very old and is almost collapsing due to the rains experienced last month. I also had a thatched roof before but it was affected by ants and had to replace it with canvas which leaks. Receiving this money will enable me build a better one bedroomed house with an iron roof top which can withstand heavy rainfall and keep me warm. Secondly, I would like to buy oxen and an ox plough to help me in farming my two acres of land because I am too old and tired to do it myself.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I depend on farming to feed myself and my family, I therefore spend a better part of my day in farm. At the end of the day I am usually very tired because I use my hands to plough. This makes evening the happiest part of my day because I rest after a hard day's work.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship in life is inadequate financial resources to build myself a house and buy oxen to help me farm. During rainy season I always suffer from cold because my roof leaks and this costs me money for treatment which I do not have. Because I am too old, I get tired very fast and therefore can not plough a big parcel of land with my hands which results in less harvest. I always end up depending on my son who is a casual labourer in Mombasa for upkeep which makes me feel like a burden to him because he has his own family to take care of.
