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.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Life has not been all rosy since the death of my husband. I have faced lots of challenges as the only breadwinner in the family. Thanks to GiveDirectly, through the unconditional transfers I could buy food for the family at a time I had no money to do so. I would like the organization to increase the monthly transfer if possible because the challenges are increasing, including high food prices, which makes the amount very little to budget.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
It was a colossal blow for my family when my husband passed on back in February after suffering a brief illness. I run a small business selling vegetables to earn a living. During the two weeks period that my husband was ill, I exhausted all my savings in paying for his hospital bills. Having exhausted all my savings, I started struggling to provide basic needs (food, school fees, and clothing) for the family (3 children). The business is down since I have no money to buy more stock, adding more problems to the existing ones. When I received my transfer, I spent KES 1000 to buy food for the family. Having not worked for the past month, I had nothing left to feed my family, and the transfer came in handy to salvage the situation. I saved the KES 2000 in Chama so that I can beget a loan to revive my business and pay school fees for my children later this month.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home with my husband when we both got the transfer. We sat down together and discussed how we were going to use the funds. Even with his illness, we were both happy as the money boosted our finances. So, we both came to an agreement that I should use the funds I got to buy food for the family, as he focused on other areas of need.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Being an unemployed widow has had me struggling financially. I am yet to get back on my feet. So, for me, there is no difference I have seen in my life so far.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Recently, I lost my husband due to some health complications. He complained of dizziness and the hospital doctors said that he had high blood pressure. We moved him from hospital to hospital in search of his treatment but still, he never got better. He later succumbed. Before, I had a business where I sold oil. This business was doing well but when my husband's illness started, I spent all the money I had on his medical expenses. Now, I only depend on my children for financial support, especially with the education of my last-born who is in form four. When I received the KES1,200 from give directly, I heard run out of food in my house, using the funds, I bought some maize flour sugar, and soap.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I want to build a firm structure to surround my house for it not to fall. My sons' education is also a priority, he is clearing high school this year. I will see to it that he does his final exams without any challenge.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am alive and well, grateful for the children and grandchildren I have. Anytime they visit me, it gives me a lot of joy. It is every parent's joy to see their children doing well despite the challenges they are facing especially since Covid-19 struck.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial constraint is my challenge. Many of the projects I wanted to start have remained stagnant due to lack of money. Progress in life is important, this constant stagnation has been my worry always.
