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 had gone to church for the mid-week service, I had left my phone in my house. I stayed there until afternoon when I returned home. There was news around the village that people had received their transfer. My helper came to my house to check my phone if I had received the transfer like others. I was so excited and celebrated for receiving the transfer. I started planning on how best to use the aid before withdrawing my transfer.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life is that I am spending my nights in a comfortable bed like people. Previously, the only time I could sleep on a mattress is when I visited my neighbors. I am so thankful for the aid.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 10,000 to purchase proper beddings for myself, this is because I was using a traditional bed and sacks as beddings which were not comfortable. I am currently spending my nights using proper beddings. In addition, I bought one goat to start livestock rearing a long-term investment for the future. I also bought enough food for myself since there is famine in our area. Lastly, I save the remaining amount to help me in seeking proper medical care since I have been sick and I have been referred to a hospital to undergo x-rays.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My house has no door! This house was built by my grandchild Salim , a son of my daughter after my first house had collapsed 4 years ago. My husband died 10 years ago and I depend on my small business of making sisal ropes.. I gave birth to 4 daughters who were married and left me alone here .I depend on making sisal ropes business to buy my food and other daily expenses. My business is seasonal and sometimes I go to bed without food if I do not get anyone to sell my ropes.I am living in a hard life and I do not have any money in my house. Receiving this money means I will buy a door for my house for security at night, buy good beddings because I am sleeping on the floor, and also buy maize flour and beans to keep in my house.I will also save part of the money for any emergency and medical expenses .
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am not happy in life because of the problems I am facing. I do not have money to buy beddings and food and My happiest part of the day is only in the evening after taking my super thanking God for finishing the day safely.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My body is growing very weak each and every day because I do not eat enough and good food. Sometimes I go to bed without food if I miss someone to give me food nor sell my ropes.The biggest hardship is luck of money to feed and take care of myself.
