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?
In my opinion, coming to help us when we were really in need is what GiveDirectly has done well. It was a challenge to even meet the important basic needs like food but through the transfers, we have been able to fulfil our basic needs with ease. Our children are comfortably in school and getting food daily is no longer a challenge. Though the transfers have so far helped us, I still think giving us the transfers monthly is a good idea but I would have appreciated it more if we could be given in lump sum.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am grateful to GiveDirectly because ever since I received the transfer, my household never ran out of food. I used to skip meals when my budget was tight, with little money available compared to my vast needs. It was a great relief seeing my children taking three meals a day unlike before. I am also a proud owner of livestock which I bought through the transfers. I have a goat and two chickens which I could not have acquired had I not received the transfer. My expectation is that they will multiply and have many of this livestock. Through them, I can readily sell to settle my future financial needs.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Being an accident victim has increased the hardships and suffering in my life. My inability to work makes me fully dependent on my wife and son for food provision and other basic needs. When I received my transfer from Give Directly I was quite relieved and excited; it meant the end of poverty to me.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I cannot see a significant difference because I have so far received one transfer of KES 1200 which I spent on chicken and medicine. However, I am hopeful that the future transfers will record a greater impact. I intend to build a decent house made of bricks and iron sheet roofing using the next cash that Give Directly will send.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used most of my transfer to secure poultry and medication. I was once involved in a car accident, and months later, am still nursing some pains that need constant drugs. So, immediately I received the transfer, I requested my son to spend KES 200 on tablets. I spent the remaining amount, that is KES 800, to purchase 2 chickens for rearing.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I usually sleep on the floor because I do not have nice beddings, something that has affected my health since I frequently complain of body pain. Due to financial challenges, I have never managed to replace them but with the arrival of GiveDirectly in my household, I am much positive about realizing my dream of sleeping on a modern bed and a mattress. This will make me feel so much happy because I have never slept on a mattress before. Hence, I will spend my first 5 months' transfers to ensure this comes to reality. The remaining transfers will be supporting me to cater to other basic needs like food and, also to construct an extra room to make my house spacious. This is generally what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Hearing the arrival of GiveDirectly to our village gave me hope in my life. This is because I am so confident that with this help, my livelihood will change for the better. This is something that has brought more joy to my life since I feel so much comfort.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial instability is the main challenge that I am currently facing in my life. Since I am too old, 76 years, I am not energetic again to be engaged in active income-generating activities. This means I depend on my son who is doing motorbike taxi and his earning is very little ($4) per day. Sometimes we are forced to skip meals which have resulted in my deteriorating health.
