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 7 AM when I was heading to the dam when I heard my phone vibrating. Without wasting time, I decided to check its content. I realized it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I had finally received the money that I had anxiously been waiting for. I felt so happy and started planning how I would use the money appropriately.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life that I will always be talking about is the fact that I managed to construct a new house for my sons. Before GiveDirectly came into my life, We used to share the same house with my children which were so uncomfortable since the house was very small. My older sons used to sleep in their friend's houses and I always felt it was not safe for them since they had to walk long distances before they could reach that home. In addition to that when they wanted to study it was so difficult for them. All has changed now because they are now sleeping comfortably and study at night without any interference courtesy of GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some building materials such as iron sheets, building poles, timber, and nails. This was purposely for the construction of a new house for my children since my house was small it could not accommodate us all. I then bought some goats as my living asset that I can lean on in case of any financial difficulties. I later bought a bed and a mattress to replace the traditional bed that I have been using for all those years. The remaining amount of money, I bought enough foodstuffs for my children and decent clothes.
Enrolled
access_time 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My longing has been to complete my house.This dream has never come true due to financial problems. Receiving this transfer means I will be able to complete it and live a comfortable life with my family. I am planning to use $1000 of the transfer to finalize on it .I will spend the extra amount to purchase beddings .I have been using local beddings made of reeds which are uncomfortable to sleep on them.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the afternoon. It is at this time when I enjoy taking lunch with my family. Unlike in the morning when all my kids are at school.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship in my life is the lack of a good job this is due to a lack of education. I depend on harvesting alcohol from the coconut tree. In a day I earn at least $ 2.This is not enough to cater even for my family basic needs.
