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?
I was cleaning my compound at around 6: 15 in the morning when I saw message notification on my mobile phone. I felt extremely happy when I realized it was an Mpesa message from GiveDiectly. Without wasting time, I started planning on how I would utilize the transfers.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before GiveDirectly came into my life my house was almost falling because of its condition. It had some cracking walls and the roof had also worn out. During the winter seasons, I had to seek shelter from my neighbors which were a so stressful. In addition, there was no security because most of the time my properties were stolen as a result of its state. Having have renovated it has brought the biggest difference and it gives me joy living with my family without any worries. I am so grateful to GiveDireclty since I cam now access to good shelter.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some building materials such as timber, cement, iron sheets, nails. This was purposely for the renovation of my house which was in poor condition. I then cleared school fees for my daughter who is in secondary school. The remaining amount of money, I used it in buying enough foodstuffs for my family.
Enrolled
access_time 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a boost to my business. I am operating a small shop in the village, my desire has been to upgrade my business by adding more stock in my shop. I am planning to invest $ 250 on my business. This will increase my income from $10 to $30 per day, something that will make meeting the educational needs of my children more easily. Currently, I have two in college and one in secondary school.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Morning is the happiest part of my day because I am usually energetic and refreshed for my day's activities. I am always happy when at work since I know that by doing so I will earn a living for my family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of adequate financial resources to meet the education needs of my children is my biggest hardship in my life. Now that I am about to receive my transfers my distress are reduce since I will be able to earn more income to meet the educational needs of my children.
