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 in my kitchen preparing breakfast for the family when I heard a message notification on my phone. I had to stop what I was doing to check the message, I was surprised to learn that it was the transfer GiveDirectly had promised to sent us. I felt very happy for receiving my transfer. I went out to informed my spouse about the good news and we jointly celebrate and thank God for the opportunity to transform our lives for the better.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Waking up in a decent, specious, iron roofed house with my family is the biggest difference in my daily life. Previously, we were living in a small, old, grass-thatched house that leaks which forced us to spend sleepless nights during the rainy season. In addition, my children constantly felt sick due to the cold weather. I had wished to construct a better one but I lack the financial strength, with the help the transfer I was able to fulfill my desire.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Owning a decent shelter for the family has always been my longing for the last 5 years. I have not
been able to achieve it due to lack of adequate money to purchase building materials. After receiving the transfer, I prioritized the construction of a new house by purchasing 16 iron sheets, timber, building poles which cost KES 23,000. In addition, I set aside KES 10,000 to clear all the labour costs. Previously, I was living in a small, old, grass-thatched house that leaks, this forced us to spend sleepless nights during the rainy season and my children constantly felt sick due to the cold. I spent KES 5000 to pay part of the school fees for my 7 children who are still in lower primary. This is because they had accumulated a huge balance since I had not been paying their fees. The remaining amount assisted me in buying sufficient food for the family.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a descent and a spacious house for my family of nine. I have been living under a leaking grass-thatched house for the 5th year now. Upon receiving this financial aid from GiveDirectly, sleeping under a leaking roof will be a thing of the past. I will construct a two bedroom house which will be enough to sustain my family. I'll use the balance to buy goats for domestic rearing. The goats will give birth, multiply and later sell them to cater for my children school fees.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning. Waking up alive and healthy makes me happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in my life is lack of a descent and a spacious house for my family. The situation gets worse during the rainy seasons.
