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?
On receiving the first transfer, I was really happy as my hope of constructing a new house was awaken at last. It was right when I got home from the river that morning when I checked my cellphone to find the message from GiveDirectly bearing the good news of the transfer. I was so excited and thanked God that I had really qualified to receive the promise I was given in the past three weeks then. I made an effort to inform my husband who had not been home since I enrolled in the program, and he too was glad to give me a go-ahead to planning on the expenses.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the construction of my new house. Currently, I am in the final stages of the construction as I am now looking forward to fixing the doors and windows before moving in as every other part is ready. It is a good feeling that I am finally having a more presentable house, a similar status with the other neighbors who had been hosting my visitors on my behalf whenever I have more visiting me.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent a huge portion of the first transfer on assembling the construction materials towards the construction of a spacious, decent, and semi-permanent house. I had to purchase all the material needed in the construction process that in turn cost me a lot more than I expected. Among them were 20 iron sheets, building posts, frames, timber, nails, and also paid the labor cost at a total cost of KES40500. I had been living in an old structure that was always leaking over the rainy season with my current family of three. I saw it good to put up a new one that will sustain us for another good number of years ahead. With the remaining amount, I spent KES4800 on the purchase of foodstuff, KES7800 on bedding, clothing, and a pair of shoes, and the remaining 500KES on a handbag. It was great spending all this since I am currently not paying any school fees as my lastborn son dropped out of school last year. I am still pushing him back to school as this would have been his last year in secondary school.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have a son who dropped out of form three last year due to financial constraints. It has always been my desire to see him through his secondary education because I believe he will get better opportunities in future. Receiving this money is therefore a big boost for me because i will not only help pay for my sons school fees but I will also build a better house for myself.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day has always been in the morning because this is the time I feel energetic to go look for casual labor so that I can provide for my family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I rely on casual labor in a farm that is about 15 to 20 kilometres away. I am getting older by the day and sometimes I feel too tired to go and work. Without work, I am not able to provide for the basic needs of my children which is heartbreaking. Lack of finances is therefore my biggest hardship.
