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?
I have nothing but great things to say about GiveDirectly, because through the funds I received I managed to help my grandchildren go back to school which means a lot to me. Soon I'll be able to also afford a new mattress. All this things were hardly possible before meeting GiveDirectly because I was financially incapable.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Schools had been closed for over a month before I received the money. Good thing the funds came in almost at the same time schools were reopening. As soon as I received the money I decided to pay KES 1,000 for two of my grandchildren because at the time their mother who works as a nanny had not yet been paid and the children needed tuition fee so that they could resume to school. On the other hand, their father, who was my son passed away some time back, so I saw it fit to chip in and assist my daughter-in-law. After that I took KES 500 and used it to buy four packets of maize flour. I still have KES 1,500 on me that I haven't used yet because I am keeping it my savings account so that I eventually have enough to buy a new mattress since the one I have is worn out.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($10 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I remember being in the field weeding on the morning of the transfer. I jumped with excitement after I confirmed that Give Directly had sent the money. I had been anxiously waiting for the funds to start saving for the new mattress. When I got home later that day, I asked my helper to assist with collecting the cash from the mobile money outlet.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before the transfer, I had hit a rock bottom on where to obtain money for a new mattress. I was constantly saddened at the thought of sleeping on tattered beddings. However, the case is different after receiving the transfer. I am happier and more hopeful now that my goal will soon be achieved.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I was enrolled in the cash program, my goal was to utilize the initial transfers to acquire a new mattress. The current one is worn out and tattered due to time such that I hold the torn pieces together with strings at night. I could not rely on my husband to replace it because of the existing burden of responsibilities on his plate. The family solely depends on him for the provision of basic needs such as food and his wage,from the flour factory, barely satisfies anything beyond the essentials. I hope to accumulate an amount of KES 4,500 to purchase the bedding. Therefore, I saved KES 1,000 from the transfer towards that course. Additionally, I replenished sugar and relish worth KES 70 and KES 100 respectively.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have always wanted to raise livestock, have one or two to my name, and still make a business out of it. I prefer raising goats because they can survive harsh environments like the current drought in Kilifi and are affordable. A goat sells for 2500 KES, I want five of them.
I assume that the prices will remain constant so that with each transfer 2500 will cater for the purchase of the goat and the remaining assist in paying school fees for my three grandchildren primary school.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I was happy that as we crossed over to this new year I got to celebrate it with my family and I slaughter a chicken for them. It had been a while since we last ate one but since it was a special day I had to celebrate it in style.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have been having constant back pain for the past year. The bed I sleep on is very uncomfortable. My mattress got worn out and I have not been able to replace it. I do not get to enjoy my sleep as I used to because I keep turning on the bed just to find a suitable posture to sleep in. The mornings are also tiring especially on a night I did not get to sleep well.
