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?
It was a great idea for GiveDirectly to give people unconditional cash. I have seen great improvements in our village ranging from improved houses to better health since most people currently afford better meals once in a while if not in most cases. This is unlike the previous case when we could eat to get satisfied without considering the diet and in most cases, we would go with only one meal per day. We are hoping for rains soon to do away with the nightmare of famine. On the other hand, I do not have any complaints about the work the organization does but thank them for the support.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
We had run out of corn in the family, so I bought a half bag for the family at KES 1000. I have saved KES 2000 which I am planning to use to purchase either chicken or goat for rearing depending on the market price. I have school-going children and raising their school fees has not been a walk in the park. Am a casual worker in a gold mine where I earn a maximum of KES 200 daily whenever there is work to be done. Depending on what the KES 2000 will afford between a goat and chicken, once they mature and multiplies, I will sell some of them to raise my children's school fees.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($26 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was relaxing at home since schools are closed and there are no farm activities due to the prevailing drought. As I was browsing on my phone, a cash transfers message popped up and I was very quick to open it. Wow! I had received my first transfer. I was so happy and I couldn't hide my joy.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Right now, we are able to afford two meals per day compared to previous days when we were used to having one meal per day. I'm also at peace knowing that in few months time, I will have accomplished my dream.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My mother is a window and she's been burning and selling charcoal to earn living ever since our father left us six years ago. It hasn't been easy for her as she has to provide basic needs for the six of us and pay school fees for four of us who are in school. Most of the the times, she thrives in debts and the last one year has not been easy for her because the charcoal business has not been doing well. Although I'm still in school, I have always wanted to start poultry farming business so that I can help my mother with the family responsibilities but financial incapability was the major stumbling block. Being enrolled in the program was a great opportunity for me to achieve my dream. I spend KES 1150 of my first transfer to buy three chicken for start up, KES 750 to clear my mother's debt and the balance to buy food. I'm happy that the transfers are helping me achieve my dream and help my mother with family responsibilities.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
As a widow, any amount of money that comes my way means offsetting debts and paying one bill after the other. It's been six years since my husband passed away. Since then, my life has been the proverbial rat race. I am always running around government offices in the hope to secure bursaries for my children, trying out different small businesses like selling charcoal to feed my eight children. I am in arrears for school fees that amount to KES 1,600. A tiny amount that I cannot raise. This financial aid is the actual Godsend. I will use it to feed my children and pay their fees. I do not know how I will split it.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My joy disappeared six years ago, the day I buried my husband. He was very loving and supportive. I feel so alone and having my children look up to me just reminds me of how my husband used to handle these situations with ease. I am convinced that I never dealt with this loss but I hope one day, my joy will be restored.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Most nights, when my children go to sleep, I lay in bed, not to rest, but to think.
My mind is always working round the clock. Trying to figure out how to improve our financial situation so that my children can eat and attend school peacefully. Small businesses do not seem to favor me. Casual jobs do not come by anymore. If I could get a solution to this, I would be grateful. At the moment, I'm as blank on ideas as I can ever be.
