GiveDirectly: Send money directly to the extreme poor

2nd Payment

Transfer Amount

53075 KES ($525 USD)

over 4 years ago

How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?

I was living in a grass thatched house which was drizzling. Had it not for GiveDirectly, we wouldn't have gotten money to build the new house which is currently offering me comfort in terms of shelter and also cold. On this time where the rains have been high, we usually face problems with our houses where we've been rained on, exposing us to adverse climatic conditions leading to diseases. My life is now very different from how it was in those ages where we couldn't afford money to help built them. My sons now have their own rooms. Unlike before when they could sleep in the same room with their father, which was shameful, nowadays, they have own room. We are all happy for this milestone.

In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?

The financial suppport is really awesome. From the negative point of view, GD does not do anything wrong. Actually all the good things are attributed to this organization. Giving us unconditional cash for our own use is something that we are all proud of.

What did you spend your second transfer on?

I spent the transfers in building a house. I had no good house and therefore the need for a bigger one so that I may live comfortably. The older one was mud walled, and it was almost raining in it.

Initial Payment

Transfer Amount

55000 KES ($547 USD)

over 6 years ago

Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.

The biggest difference in my daily life is that I take tea with sugar almost everyday nowadays. I am able to provide food for my family without straining or getting stressed, because my thoughts have changed I can now easily handle a task without my mind straying. I am starting to believe that health is wealth but when resources are not too scarce to sustain a life.

Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?

I was really excited even up to now I am extremely happy. This money has brought with it good health and joy in my family. I had been diagnosed with stomach ulcers. I slept soundly on that day. I almost did not notice how fast the sun had risen. Before receiving this transfer my nights were characterized by a lack of sleep. To me I treat poverty like sickness.

What did you spend your first transfer on?

Out of my first transfer I used KES 18000 to buy a cow. I also bought iron sheets and other building material worth KES 14000. I am happy I was able to put my son back in school with the remaining amount who had dropped out of college during his second year of study. I am extremely excited I got to do things I would not have done without this break through.

Enrolled

over 6 years ago

What does receiving this money mean to you?

This money came by surprise to us because we have never touched such a huge amount. At first we didn't take it that serious but according to what we've heard from our neighbors and the kind of work they have done with this cash, we see great life ahead. Receiving this money means a better life, good health care and quality education for our children.

What is the happiest part of your day?

Morning is the happiest part of my day because it is at this moment that my mind is fresh. I'm a morning person and I enjoy doing most of the household chores.

What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?

My second born child, Gladys underwent a heart operation in 1995 at Kenyatta Hospital. She stayed in hospital for 5 months and continuous check ups followed for 5 years. This was the biggest hardship I've faced in my life. Seeing her suffering in that hospital bed broke my heart. We had to sell all the resources and with the help of family and friends, we were able to clear the hospital bill which was close to a million kenya shilling. Gladys is now healthy,and blessed with 5 kids. We thank God for that.