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 felt so happy when my helper inform me that the money had been sent. The recipient is mentally unstable and could not remember fully. The spouse to helper said that they planned on building a better house for the recipient and getting her all the basic household items. That was the highest amount the recipient has ever received. They withdraw the money the following day and plan well as a family to ensure that the needs of the recipient are fulfilled.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is building a new house. I live in a small old house and I would want a better and more spacious house. I depend on my children for basic needs and other household items. I do not have a source of income. I have the building materials ready and am yet to start the construction process. I am so grateful for the support. I will have a decent house free from dust and I will sleep well unlike before.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
They spent KES 17,000 on purchasing the iron sheets and part of the money on purchasing timber. All the materials had been purchased and waiting for the second transfer to start the construction reported by the helper. The recipient is mentally unstable and depends mostly on her children to meet her basic needs. She lives small house which is so old and wishes to own a better house. The rest of the money was spent on food and household items.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
For the last 10 years I have been going through mental illness. My mental health varies from time to time. I sometimes loose memory completely. For now I am a bit stable and able to think. For instance I now think of buying a dairy cow for subsistence use and build a better house if I qualify to receive the transfer. My current house is too old and unpresentable. I am much happy and thank Give Directly for thinking about the poor.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In about three months ago, I regained my senses and I am glad to actively involve myself fully in my household daily chores. Secondly I was happy because during my illness period, my daughter in-laws kept vigilant eyes on me. I am impressed with such minimal but meaningful union.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Currently I am not much active to participate in my daily chores such as preparing land for planting and carefully look after my one cow. I recently got healed from a mental retardation and I noticed that my developments got stucked. According to my opinion, I am saddened to learn that in my absence of active involvement, no progress happens in my household.
