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?
Through giving the unconditional transfers, GiveDirectly does extremely well. The funds have changed the lives of very many people within my village. I would like the organization to continue supporting us so that we can eradicate poverty that has long been in our lives.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my entire transfer of KSH 3000 to buy poles for building my house. My house is currently in a critical condition. Strong winds demolished the roof. I am worried that when it pours, it will rain on my property in the house on. At the moment, I have covered the roof with some strong polythene paper to shelter myself during the chilly night. Currently, I cannot repair the house because I am not well off financially. I earn very little from selling firewood and working on other people’s farms. The money is enough to buy food and nothing to save. By building the new house, I will build a house that is bigger and with a stronger roof using iron sheets and not Makuti.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was about 9 am in the morning I was cooking breakfast for the family. My eldest daughter came to me and told me that I had received funds from GiveDirectly since she had also received hers too. I was happy to hear that and I was overjoyed. The rest of my day was full of joy and was smiling frequently.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The money has all the difference in my life. I now have chicken and I know it’s a matter of time and I will have more and more. With the number increasing it’s going to help financially when I sell some. I am also grateful that I also bought food without which we will be starving due to lack of food.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Gd -1668149
I spent my cash on buying 2 chickens at KSH 600. I have always wanted to have chicken and rear them so that I can have many so that when I sell them they will help me out in attending to my needs. Finally, when I received the cash from GiveDirectly I was happy that I was going to fulfill what I have always wanted for a very long time. In addition to buying chicken, I also bought food for my family. Getting food is becoming very difficult and it was a priority that I buy food with the cash that I had received.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
We mooched this land for our dwelling and cultivation. The owner had already echoed a warning, we either purchase it or move out. Give directly will give me the privilege to own this piece of land. The rest will direct them into the provision of my family's basic needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Lunch hours form my best moments. When am done with my morning chores, I usually create some time in the afternoon to relax and enjoy some cool breeze under my well-shadowed mango tree.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My present suffering has been largely contributed by the dearth of financial resources. Only one child out of five managed to finish his secondary education. Food is a challenge. My husband has been battling with stroke-like condition for the last three years. Am forced to look for casual jobs, including selling firewood for a living. The money I get, about 200KES a day cannot support my family's basic needs, leave alone my husband's medication.
