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?
It was around 5 pm we were just relaxing at home with my children when I heard a message notification from my phone. When my helper checked it out she said that it was a message confirming that give directly has sent KES 55,000. I felt so happy because that was the highest amount I have ever received. I was in a position to purchase a water tank for storing clean water for domestic uses. We went to withdraw money the following day and started planning with my family.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have purchased a water tank. This was my main concern had always wanted to own a water tank. I used to walk for a long distance to collect water. This was so tedious and time-consuming and due to my old age, I was not able to collect water more often. We depend on small-scale farming and dairy farming, This earns us a small income and we were not able to save the money to purchase a water tank. The money we could get was for household items. When I received the money from GiveDirectly I purchased a water tank. Currently, I have clean water for drinking and domestic uses. We are no longer exposed to water-related diseases. I have enough time to work on my farm. This has given me peace of mind since I am no longer stressed about where to get clean water. GiveDirecly has changed our living standard and we are so grateful.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 25,000 on purchasing a water tank for storing clean water for domestic uses. This is because we used to walk for a long distance to collect clean water. This was so tedious and time-consuming. Due to my old age, I was not able to do this more often. Currently, I have a water tank and I no longer walk that long distance. I can access clean water easily unlike before. We purchase a heifer for KES 25,000, This will enable us to get enough milk when it reproduces in the next few months. I will cut the daily cost of purchasing milk. The remaining amount of money I spent on food and household items. I am so grateful for the support because GiveDirectly has improved our standard of living.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
For 5 years now I have wished to own a water tank.I have been unable to buy it because the money I had was depleted in the construction of the house. Fetching water from the river is hectic and tiresome to me particularly now in my old age. Therefore, receiving this money means an end to the long-distance search for water and also a relief of back pains.I will buy a water tank of 5000 liters with KES 37000 and a heifer at KES 20000
What is the happiest part of your day?
The availability of enough food in the past two months has brought joy into my life. I harvested 3 bags of maize from my 0.3-acre piece of land in January and this has taken us through the past 2 months .
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial constraint is the biggest challenge we are currently facing. My husband and I are very elderly and we depend on farming as our only source of income. A prolonged period of drought and diseases has affected our crops resulting in low yields. Currently, the harvest we get is just sufficient for consumption thus we depend on our children for money to be used for other needs. It is so embarrassing and humiliating for me to request for money from my children who also have family responsibilities.
