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.
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
0th Payment
Transfer Amount
0
access_time 4 months ago
attach_money
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My child had no place to sleep, which made me very sad because, as a parent, I should be able to provide for my children's basic needs. I bought a bed and mattress worth $120. I also bought another mattress worth $55 for one of my other beds. My son's grass-thatched mud house was in bad condition because the roof was leaking, so I decided to renovate it. I used $166 to repair the roof. I spent $36 to buy household items, including two plastic chairs and a storage water tank. I used $45 to buy a bag of maize because we had been struggling to afford food. I spent $20 on transporting the roofing materials. I used $33 to buy new clothes for my children and me. I spent $17 on other household expenses and saved the remaining $58 for use during the Christmas festivities.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before receiving the cash transfer, I was struggling in every aspect of my life. Receiving the cash has really improved my life, making it much better. The biggest difference I have experienced after receiving the cash is being able to renovate and provide a good sleeping place for my children.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at the church at around 4:00 p.m. when I received the transfer message. I read the message and went on with my business. I was happy, laughed, and said, “Thank you, Lord.” I went home afterward and started planning for the cash. My first thought was that I would finally be able to fulfill my plans. I was grateful that my prayers had been answered.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($425 USD)
access_time 4 months ago
attach_money
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before receiving the cash transfer, I was struggling in every aspect of my life. Receiving the cash has really improved my life, making it much better. The biggest difference I have experienced after receiving the cash is being able to renovate and provide a good sleeping place for my children.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at the church at around 4:00 p.m. when I received the transfer message. I read the message and went on with my business. I was happy, laughed, and said, “Thank you, Lord.” I went home afterward and started planning for the cash. My first thought was that I would finally be able to fulfill my plans. I was grateful that my prayers had been answered.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My child had no place to sleep, which made me very sad because, as a parent, I should be able to provide for my children's basic needs. I bought a bed and mattress worth $120. I also bought another mattress worth $55 for one of my other beds. My son's grass-thatched mud house was in bad condition because the roof was leaking, so I decided to renovate it. I used $166 to repair the roof. I spent $36 to buy household items, including two plastic chairs and a storage water tank. I used $45 to buy a bag of maize because we had been struggling to afford food. I spent $20 on transporting the roofing materials. I used $33 to buy new clothes for my children and me. I spent $17 on other household expenses and saved the remaining $58 for use during the Christmas festivities.
Enrolled
access_time 6 months ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The challenge that I am currently facing is lack of a decent house. I live in a two roomed house with my 8 children, 2 girls and 6 boys. All of them share one while the other is for my spouse and I. Its walls are almost falling while the roof is old and therefore needs replacement. This posses a great risk to my family especially at night when there are strong winds. I am scared that it might fall while we are sleeping.
The other one is difficulty in playing school fees for my kids. I depend on charcoal burning business which is energy draining and time consuming. You require 2 weeke for them to be ready while getting a buyer is also not easy. In a month, I can earn $15 which I have to spend it on all basic needs for 10 members.
Due to this , I have been struggling to make ends meet. Sometimes, I find myself talking alone on the way as if I am out of mind.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Last month, I was invited to a baraza by the village elder about Givedirectly. At first, I thought it was a romour but went I attended I learnt the truth about it. This filled my heart with immense joy and happiness because I knew my life will improve. The transfers will help me to have a house of my dream and be able to pay school fees for my children.
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I am planning to spend the transfer to build a decent house. I will set a side $615 to purchase building materials for a three roomed shelter. This will offer sufficient accommodation that will make the family safe and comfortable.
Part of the remaining amount $ 153 will be for school fees of my daughter who is in form three. It will reduce the balance of $192 to $39 which will allow her education to continue uninterrupted.
The remaining amount will be to buy two indigenous goats. As they multiple, I can sell at a profit and finace my domestic necessities.
