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 busy doing household chores like keeping the compound tidy before I could leave for the farm. I was with my grandchildren when I received the message alert on my phone. Being illiterate, I had to call the helper to interpret it for me. I was very happy when I was informed that it was the message from GiveDirectly carrying the transfer. I informed the rest of the family members and we all celebrated receiving the aid.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Owning proper bedding after purchasing a new bed with the transfer is the biggest difference. Currently, I am looking forward to the nights during which I could rest comfortably after spending the entire day working. In addition, I am optimistic that I will own a decent shelter like others after completing the construction.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
For over a year, I had been spending nights sleeping on a broken bed. It was such a miserable life since I always felt backbone pain every morning after bed something that affected my productivity at work negatively. I spent KES 5500 purchasing a modern bed for myself. With the remaining amount, I save it in my account which I intend to use together with the second transfer to construct a new permanent house. This is because the one I own at the moment is about collapse which is very risky for our lives.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
According to our culture, society expects an adult to have a decent house because it is a sign of respect. They believe that you have money since you have worked for ages. This is a different case for me. I am 73 years and still living in a small house that is collapsing. This is due to financial instability. Receiving this money means good shelter. I am planning to spend 60,000 KES to construct a decent house that can accommodate me with my 5 grandchildren. This will enable me to live a decent life and attain full respect as an old person. Also, I will give the reaming part of the transfer to my daughter to invest it in business ( selling clothes) which will be a source of income.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Last month December, I had a chance to meet all my family members, especially my grandchildren who have been away for more than a year. Bonding with them again and celebrating the Christmas holidays brought happiness to my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food security is the biggest hardship I am currently facing. I work as a small substance farmer. This is the job that generates me with food. It has been two years since we received enough rain. I now depend on my siblings to provide for me yet they do casual jobs. Sometimes I spend nights without something to eat.
