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?
With the unconditional transfers to the lesser communities, GiveDirectly has truly been a life saver and a great source of much happiness all round since most projects and goals are being accomplished.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Being a community health volunteer, the job comes without stipends. I am a mother of five children and my dear husband is our breadwinner from the casual job he does on a daily basis. The pay is not much, but we survive with what is there hence the KES 3000 from GiveDirectly has been a slice of fortune in our home. One of our children is joining form two and I was able to pay his school fees of KES 2000 so that he is able to attend classes. The KES 1000 left, I added food supplements in the house to last us for a period of two weeks.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($26 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home resting when I got the message confirming that I had received some funds from give directly. This made me very happy. I immediately went out to buy some food for my five children who were starving. The remaining amount I donated towards my brother-in-law's medical condition.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I used to really struggle before I started receiving these funds. My husband was the only breadwinner and when he fails to provide, we all go without a meal. I would be forced to round borrowing money from friends and family. On the other hand, my five children who are in school also needed some school fees. Often, I would be unable to settle it. Thus, leading to school fee arrears. For instance, my eldest child who is in form two has arrears of KES 8000. When I started receiving these funds, I stopped borrowing plus was able to also buy my family some food. I was also able to contribute toward my brother-in-law's medical bill
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had a brother-in-law who struggled with liver complications. When I got these funds, I contributed KES 2000 to his medical expenses. For the remaining KES 1000, I used to buy some food. At the time there was no food in the house. My husband, who works as an office Messenger, always made sure he supported us financially. Unfortunately, on this day, he had not gotten his salary yet
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I do cook in the open air due to the lack of structure that can serve as a kitchen. It becomes difficult to prepare a meal during the rainy season. I am planning to utilize this money to erect a structure and as well invest the rest in agriculture by purchasing goats which will act as my long-term investment.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The excelling of my daughter in her primary exam after her first failed attempt is one thing I rejoiced in my life. I know that our current family woes can be solved by giving my children a good education which I missed. She's currently in form one and I do hope that she will fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor in the future.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
We have spent two planting seasons with rains. Farming is our source of living and the drought has paralyzed it. Providing for our family is now a nightmare that we have no option but tackle every day.
