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 biggest difference in your daily life.
I am grateful to GiveDirectly for supporting me financially. This money has empowered me to build a new house. The house that was initially my shelter was in a bad state, its roof was dilapidated and leaking during rains. I have never enjoyed the peace of living in a decent house for years. I always had to seek shelter from the neighbors and relatives whenever it rained. I couldn't afford to buy any of the necessary materials just to renovate it. Having a new spacious, decent and iron-roofed house to me makes the biggest difference in my daily life. This has been my biggest dream that GiveDirectly has fulfilled and I no longer have to worry about rains.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I heard my phone ringing early in the morning, an alert of an incoming message. Since I couldn't comprehend the contents, I waited until daybreak, where I called my helper to check for me. She confirmed to me that GiveDirectly had sent me the first transfer. I felt happy and rejoiced with my family for this financial support.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
It has always been my dream to at least renovate my old house since its state was worsening day by day. Its roof dilapidated and leaking excessively when it rains. However, I couldn't afford to buy any building material. When I received my first transfer, I resolved to build a new house instead. I purchased building materials which include 20 pieces of iron sheets, building poles, timber, nails and paid the full cost of labour involved. I am now at peace living in a new decent house. I also spent KES 16000 on buying a new bed and a mattress to replace the old and worn out beddings that I have been using for years now. In addition to these, I also took KES 5000 to purchase two goats which I am currently keeping in my homestead. I spent the remaining amount to buy my family's basic needs such as foodstuffs and clothing for my children, as well as paying for some daily household expenses.
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have been making chapati and Maandazi for sale ever seen I was a teen. This is the business that helped me raise my 9 children with the help of their father. However, when I reached old age I stopped due to lack of capital because I couldn't engage in other duties to supplement it. I currently depend on subsistence farming but it is unreliable because unpredictable rainfall patterns. I therefore plan to revive my business because I have enough expertise in it. This will reduce the dependence on my children who also survive on casual jobs. I will also use part of the transfer to enroll my granddaughter in secondary school. She completed primary education since last year but I have not been able to see her through the next stage. Besides, I will purchase goats for rearing that I will sell to generate funds during financial emergencies especially her education.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I do not take for granted waking up and seeing another day. It calls for God's grace to wake up healthy. Such a thought gives me solace and I even tend to forget my worries. I always dedicate my burdens to the Lord something which makes morning the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The lack of enough money is my biggest hardship. This has resulted to a lot of suffering in my family. Imagine sleeping under a leaking roof with an empty stomach. It is so disastrous trying to find shelter at the same time controlling a rumbling a stomach. Well, this is the kind of life that I have lived for decades. I do not even have decent beddings fit for a human being.
