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.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($437 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
check
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Since the new place I moved to is lonely, neighbors are a part, it is somehow scary at night. Considering this I have a plan for doing an electricity connection so that my home has enough light at night for security purposes. I considered this a priority over doing some finishing such as plastering my house because security is key.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly is an organization that came to make us proud and feels like the rest of human beings by empowering us. This is vivid from how the transfer enabled me to get a piece of land and started my home with my children. Initially, I used to stay at my parents' homestead together with my children after the death of my husband which led me to leave where I was married due to family issues. Currently, I am happy because I have my home and my children are happy since they are now free. I have never seen any fault related to GiveDirectly and I support the organization with the programs it offers.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
It is always a good thing to remember a good who once held your hand in a time of need. This is the main reason why I bought a goat for $15 using the second transfer I received from GiveDirectly to remember the organization always. Thereafter, I used $200 to finalize payments for a plot that I had bought using the first transfer. Being a single mother, I saw it prudent to buy my piece of land for my children to call home. By so doing, one earns respect and separates you from family wrangles. I also used $200 to buy some iron sheets to roof my house which I also started constructing at my plot using the first transfer. Currently, the house is complete and I am happy that I have a place I own and my children have a home. We are now confident as a family not like before when we used to seek permission for anything we wanted to do at my father's place. For the remaining amount, I bought a mattress and some food for the family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($477 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 4 pm when my kids were coming from school, I was at home and had started preparation of dinner for our family of 9 members. They come to where I was and narrated how their school was for the day. They also disclosed to me that they were required to pay fees on the following day. I informed my grandchild to call their mum who was at work. In the process, they realize that I had received the transfer in my account. I felt extremely happy for receiving my transfer since I was pretty sure that I will accomplish most of my heart's desires.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am currently happy that I will be able to stay in a proper house with modern bedding for my family. In addition, my grandchildren are learning without interruption a thing that gives me peace of mind.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I was living in a tiny, grass-thatched house that leaks so much during the rainy season. In addition, it was too small to accommodate me and my 6 grandchildren who were left under my care after their dad died. I had wished to own a spacious house but I lacked the finances. After receiving my transfer, I spent KES 20,000 to purchase building poles like iron sheets, timber, and nails. Currently, I am happy that the construction has started something that gives me hope. I also bought proper beddings for myself since I was using rugs as beddings that were not comfortable. Moreover, I supported the education of my grandchildren by paying school fees. Lastly, I bought enough foodstuff for the family.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I would love to live in a big comfortable house. It is now four years since my grandchildren came to live with me. I had built a one-roomed house that was spacious but when the rains came the house could not withstand the heavy pour.
My daughter quickly responded to our calamity by building a small structure that could accommodate us as she worked on building a bigger house. If you just see the state it is now. It has now been a year since she made her promise, she has not been able to deliver due to financial challenges.
My priority is to build a two-roomed house, a room for my two grandchildren and the other room for myself. I will also furnish it and make it a home for my grandchildren.
What is the happiest part of your day?
This holiday was a joy to me and my grandchildren. My first daughter visited and brought along a lot of food that lasted us the entire month. It was relaxing to wake up every morning knowing that I had food to eat every other day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am a maize farmer, these past three years have been terrible so to say. When I pass by my two-acre land I get frustrated with how it is. It is dry and bushy and I long for the days I would wake up knowing my time would be well spent on the farm. Today, I buy everything I need from the shops, the prices are too high for me since I have no source of income, and I depend on my daughter's assistance to make ends meet.
