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.
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3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($301 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
While I do hold aspirations, my financial constraints hinder me from crafting long-term plans. I am currently embracing life day by day, entrusting my future to the hands of God for its brightness. Most importantly, I find contentment in what I have achieved thus far.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
From the very start of the program, we were treated with utmost respect and received exceptional service. The sensitization meetings provided us with a clear understanding of the program's goals and purpose. We were also given the chance to ask questions, and the responses we received were comprehensive and considerate. The program was carried out with transparency, and we did not come across any fraudulent activities. All in all, I am highly content with the services provided by the organization, and we encountered no unexpected issues.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving financial assistance from GiveDirectly was indeed a blessing, providing me with the perfect opportunity to make thoughtful use of the funds. As a widow, I reside with my four grandchildren, and our livelihood depends on goat rearing and support from my children. Consequently, I decided to spend $350 to purchase a water tank, ensuring a convenient and clean water source for our daily consumption, given the distant location of the stream. Additionally, I used $100 to acquire essential food items such as maize and sugar. These endeavors were previously unattainable due to financial constraints, as my earnings barely covered all our needs. The aid we received from GiveDirectly has raised our living standards and granted us a newfound sense of financial independence. We will forever cherish and remain grateful for the transformative support provided.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($318 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Looking ahead, my future objective is to obtain a water tank that will allow me to store water for an extended period. Despite the presence of various financial responsibilities, I maintain a positive outlook, believing that my third transfer will bring favourable outcomes. I am genuinely grateful and satisfied with the progress we have achieved thus far on our journey.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Since the inception of GiveDirectly's operations in our area, they have consistently shown us remarkable respect. Their approach involved extensive community engagement, which left a lasting impression. The field officers conducted themselves with the utmost professionalism and emphasized the unconditional nature of the transfer. One significant advantage of the project was the increased independence it granted us, as we received our funds directly into our Mpesa wallet. This streamlined process proved highly beneficial and contributed to our overall positive experience.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With the arrival of my second transfer, I finally had the opportunity to fulfil a long-held aspiration of constructing a latrine. It was embarrassing for me, at my age, to continue relieving myself in the bushes. However, this goal had proven challenging to attain in the past due to the lack of a steady income. As a farmer, I faced difficulties in securing the necessary funds, especially with the unpredictable climatic conditions affecting my agricultural endeavours. Thanks to the $450 from the transfer, I allocated $150 towards the construction of the latrine, addressing a fundamental need for sanitation. Furthermore, I wisely allocated $150 of the remaining funds towards purchasing essential food supplies. These achievements have brought me a sense of gratitude, contentment, and pure delight.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18010 KES ($132 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
At around 4:00 p.m., while I was at home with my grandchild, I received a message confirming the receipt of my first transfer from GiveDirectly. I was filled with joy as I shared the good news with my grandchild. We were both grateful, knowing that we would now be able to afford some of the things we had been unable to before. The following day, with the help of my helper, I withdrew the money and proceeded to make my first purchases. I was filled with excitement as I thought about all the possibilities that this support could bring to my life and that of my loved ones. It was an incredible feeling to have a newfound sense of financial security and stability, and I couldn't wait to see what the future held.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the abundance of food and reliable access to clean water. Before receiving the first payment, we used to rely on buying small quantities of food that could barely sustain us for a week, but now we can afford to purchase food in bulk that can last us for a long time. Additionally, since I purchased a plastic container worth $37 to collect rainwater, we no longer have to walk long distances to fetch water, especially during the dry season. Moreover, the gutters that we fixed now channel rainwater from the roof directly into the tank, making it much easier for us to collect and store the water. The peace of mind that comes with not having to worry about food and water every day is indescribable, and I am grateful for the support from GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the first transfer from GiveDirectly, I was thrilled to finally have some financial relief. As a family of three, we had been struggling to make ends meet, especially with my health concerns. I first sought medical attention from the nearby clinic, which cost me $20, and I felt better after receiving medication. I also decided to invest in a plastic water tank worth $37 so that we could collect and store rainwater. This was an informed decision, as our region is prone to long dry spells, which make water accessibility a challenge. I then used $67 to buy food to last us for a while, which was a big relief. To transport all my bulky purchases from the shopping center, I had to spend $10 on transportation. With the remaining amount, I decided to buy new clothes and utensils to replace the old and cracked ones that we had been using for a long time. This first transfer has been life-changing for us, and I am grateful to GiveDirectly for the support.
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
If I am able to get the transfer, I will first buy food. That's my priority. It's difficult getting a meal here. I will spend $100 to buy household supplies like maize, beans and sugar. It will sustain us for 2 months.
My kitchen is also in a bad state. I will build a new one using $300. This means I won't have to worry of winds blowing away the grass. Metal sheets are better suited here.
My grandchild is about to join secondary school. I need to save $600. This will help me pay for his school fees next year. Additionally, I will have some amount for emergency. That's for food or any other home needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am happy seeing my grandchild, 15, going to school everyday. I hope that he'll one day become a teacher or a doctor.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am 64, years old. Getting food here is very difficult. I mainly depend on my goats and chicken. I have 30 goats and 11 chicken. Due to the drought it's hard feeding my goats. Most of the vegetation is dry. The milk I get from the goats is little and not enough for me and my grandchild.
Due to the drought, I have sold many goats for food and school fees. I am worried that I may lose all the stock by selling them to get food.