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 learned that I had received my transfer at around seven in the morning when I was heading to the dam to fetch water. I was overwhelmed with joy and I knew that my life would change positively.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now sleep under a decent semipermanent house. For all those years, I have been sleeping under a temporary small hut which was leaking whenever it could rain. I had to seek shelter from my neighbors and relative's houses which was so stressful. Sometimes I felt like I was a burden to them and I could stay in my hut and those were the worst moments in my life. I never thought that I would shelter in a decent shelter like the rest. Due to that, I will forever be grateful to the organization becasue if it were not for it coming to my village, my life would still be the same. I am now a happy soul since I no longer have to worry about the rains.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my transfer on buying some building materials such as iron sheets, building poles, nails, and timber. This was for the construction of a new house since the previous one was small and in poor condition. Also, I paid the mason a total of KES 4000 as his labor charge. I later bought enough foodstuffs for my children and some other household items.
Enrolled
access_time 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My desire has been to own a pair of oxen, but this dream has never materialized due to financial challenges. I am planning to spend $ 60 to purchase them. Through them, I will be able to prepare my farm in time and I will be able to plough more acres unlike before whereby I could not utilize the whole of it because I use local methods. I am positive that I would harvest a lot of food. I will use the extra amount to renovate my temporary house which is leaking during rainy seasons.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My most relaxing moment is in the evening. It is at this time when I relax and enjoy taking supper with my family members after a long day tiresome day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My inability to adequately meet the needs of my family has been my biggest challenge. I usual depend on charcoal burning. The job is tiresome and earns me $ 45 in a week. The amount is not enough to sustain my family needs.
