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 biggest difference in your daily life.
We initially did not have access to a toilet as a family and open defecation in the bushes was the only option we had. This was really exposing us to infections associated with not having access to a toilet. I am happy that through the transfer from GiveDirectly, I managed to buy building materials and built a new permanent latrine, which offered a permanent solution to us, for we now use the toilet unlike before. To me having, this toilet is the biggest difference in my daily life since it will not only serve my family but my neighbors also. My heart is now at peace since I know that the chances of being infected by some diseases are now minimal.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
My helper informed me of the notification I had received in my phone earlier on that day for I am illiterate. As he explained the contents of the message to me, I was filled with happiness on realizing that GiveDirectly had sent the first transfer that they had promised. I was thankful to them for the financial support they had given unto us as a family.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent KES 30,000 to buy a pair of oxen to help me in my farming. Having a pair of oxen helps to quicken the farming process and to ensure early and timely preparations and cultivation. I could not achieve this before because I lacked the means of getting them and I had to always hire these services from my neighbors. The transfer has greatly helped me since I now have my own pair through the financial help from GiveDirectly. Through the pair, I will no longer be hiring and I will also be able to plough a bigger acreage for better yields production. I had planned to build a pit latrine for so long but I only managed to dig the pit as I was unable to buy building materials for its completion due to lack of money. However, with the support from GiveDirectly, I spent KES 10,000 to buy bricks and sand and bags of cement. I am happy that my toilet is now complete, permanent and usable. I spent the rest of the transfer to pay for school fees for my children for them to continue comfortably with their studies without any interruptions concerning school fees and did some shopping to meet the family's basic needs like foodstuffs.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means I will be able to meet my family's needs of food and education with much ease. I plan to achieve this through reviving my small hotel business by building a permanent premise and adding more food items so I can offer a variety of quality foods to my customers. I will also buy oxen and an ox plough to expand my farming and ensure my home is food secure.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the afternoon because this is the time when I get many customers streaming in for lunch which means more profit for me.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship is inadequate finances to properly meet my family's needs. My hotel business has not been doing well lately since the structure I built is almost collapsing. This has driven away many customers thus negatively affecting my source of income which in turns affects my ability to provide food, pay for education and other necessities. I am happy though that Give Directly has come to my aid. I will now be able to revive my business.
