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?
The moment I received the transfer I felt that God had come to rescue me. My child was very sick but I did not have any money to take him to the hospital. Apparently, the money had been sent the previous evening but since my phone had run out of power I did not see it. This was the happiest moment of my life because I was able to take my son to the hospital and get quality treatment.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the pride I have for being able to provide a whole day's meal for my family. It was shameful to watch my children cry for food, yet I could not afford. I am grateful to Give Directly for the support. I also have the energy to do my normal chores of burning charcoal for sale which is my primary source of income. Previously it was strenuous doing this role because I could go for days without meals but am now more productive.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My son was unwell at the time when the money was sent. I, therefore, spent KES 1500 on his medication which included a doctor's fee and medicine. The money was God-sent. At that time I did not have even a single cent so all I could do was to let God do his will but through God's grace, Give Directly came through. KES 40000 I spent on an acre piece of land for farming. The current piece of land we inherited from our father is less than an acre, yet we share it with my 5 siblings who also have kids who in the future, will need somewhere to construct their houses. The piece of land will provide enough space in the future for my children when they come of age to construct their houses. A portion of the money I spent on various foodstuffs especially the dry ones for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am in a family land that was left with my late father and we can not build any permanent structures because it is only one hectare for my five brothers and I. Receiving this money means I can buy a new land where I can call home. Currently, I do not have any permanent structure where my 5 children can sleep well. One hectare of land goes for KES 30,000 and I can use 20,000 to build a semi-permanent house to accommodate my five children. I can be able to also grow maize with my new land where I will be calling home. With the remaining amount, I will take my five children to school for a better educated.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My late father had a portion of land two hectares, 20 kilometers from my compound. We sold that land at a higher price of KES 70,000 and this brought joy we were able to buy clothes and food that lasted for two weeks. Getting that big amount at this hard time helped me a lot.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I do not have a well-structured house and I sleep on the floor with sacks and cow skins. I have to light a fire at night to feel warm at night with my five children. My health status is not good I have pneumonia, I visit the hospital every week for check-ups. I have to do casual work to feed my children and this only comes twice a month. I am worried about tomorrow, with my health status.
