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 does well in terms of their unbiased enrollment of people within a village. We are thrilled that many of us got enrolled into the program and so far so good nobody has complained of mysteriously being left.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Three weeks before receiving the money, I contracted a severe illness, which left me unable to walk. This illness was an addition to the stomach ulcers that I have had for the past few years. Since when I was young, I have always depended on farming to earn a living for the better part of my life. I did not have money to seek for proper medication because I have not been working on the farm for the past three years because of the drought. I have been the sole breadwinner for my family since my husband died. Immediately after I received the transfer, I asked my relatives to take me to the hospital, and I got admitted there for further checkups and monitoring. I paid a hospital bill of KSH 2000 from the transfer. The medical bill was enormous and, thanks to the contributions from my friends and relatives, I cleared the remaining bill. While in hospital, my three children were sent home due to school fee arrears. Since I was in a condition not to work, I gave them the remaining KSH 1000 to go pay school fees. I wanted them to go back to school as soon as so that they can continue with their education.
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?
The day that the money came in I was just fitted at home in fact I was wondering how I was supposed to go to my check-up that morning. I constantly suffer from blood pressure and need medical treatment and I did not have enough money, but when I saw the message I was so happy and relieved.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
For now, there is no major difference in my day-to-day life but I hope that with constant support from Give directly there will be.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The money I had received recently from Give directly, I had spent on getting medical treatment. This is because I am very old and suffer from blood pressure and chest pains. That morning I had been looking on ways to afford the medical care but Give directly came in just in time.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I want to be in a position where I can support myself without having to depend on my children for support.
I will be buying food with this money and also buy a cow and use the milk for household consumption.
What is the happiest part of your day?
When I see my family whole and healthy, it gives me a lot of joy. I remain grateful to God for the gift of life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have high blood pressure and it has been a challenge getting money to go to the hospital. I want to be able to move around my compound without much difficulty.
