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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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53010 KES ($347 USD)
access_time 6 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The motorcycle that my son and I contributed to purchase is intended for business use and ought to generate some income for us. With this, I have guaranteed myself a daily income and won't even have to worry about running out of food or money to take care of myself. I want to be active and productive, not just idle around the house, which is why I plan to get goats. For that reason, my goals for the upcoming year and beyond are to tend to my animals as they flourish and to enjoy the few years I have left enjoying my income and good sleep in my new bed
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
It was very wonderful that the money I was given was unconditional, as it allowed me to take care of my requirements whenever it pleased me. I am happy that Givedirectly is performing admirably, and I would prefer that this program remain unchanged.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I'm an elderly woman who has always desired a quiet, comfortable existence, but it hasn't worked out. I've been sleeping in an extremely uncomfortable bed in a leaky house for years. Not only was my mattress worn out, but my bed was broken and needed to be supported by sticks. I would not wake up in the morning feeling rested and rejuvenated, but rather exhausted. I am also unable to perform any manual labor, which makes it challenging for me to make a living. Rather, I rely on my son, who is unemployed as well. My heart has been incredibly heavy with sadness because of this. To my surprise, GiveDirectly came and turned my life around, and I was blessed with unconditional cash. This has never happened to me in my entire life. I have never experienced anything like this in my life. Consequently, I spent $150 of the transfer to purchase a bed and mattress in order to finally have a good night's sleep. I now go to bed feeling happy and joyful since I know that I won't wake up exhausted like I used to. I offered my son $200 so he could add to it with his own funds and purchase a motorcycle for business. In the hopes that they would multiply, I also saved up $90 to purchase goats. I am using the remaining portion of the transfer on food.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($374 USD)
access_time 8 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Illiteracy delayed my happiness and the plans that I had for the promised transfer from GiveDirectly. I heard about the receipt of the transfer from our neighbors almost a month later. I did not realize I had the money in my account until my helper checked the Mpesa balance and saw the cash in it. I felt extremely happy to receive the transfer since was sure that I would fulfill my dream of owning a better shelter.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I'm delighted to share how my life took a remarkable turn after receiving support from GiveDirectly. Before, it was a struggle to put food on the table, and my body showed the scars of hunger and starvation. But now, things have changed. I'm no longer that skinny, frail person; I've gained some much-needed weight and vitality. My living conditions have improved too. I used to live in a cramped, tiny house, but now I have a spacious home where my family can breathe freely. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I have not only regained my health but also my hope for a brighter future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used to live in a tiny, overcrowded house that barely had enough room for my family and me. But thanks to the generous help from GiveDirectly, things have changed for the better. With the $138 of the amount received, I bought 14 pieces of iron sheets, spending $60 on building poles and just $40 for the roofing labor charge because my grandson helped with the perimeter wall. Now, I have a spacious and comfortable house that I'm proud to call my own. It's a world of difference from the cramped space we used to endure.
But I didn't stop there. I also invested in my future. I spent $80 to buy two goats, which I know will provide a source of income down the road. As someone who relies on casual jobs to make a living, I understand the importance of saving. So, I wisely saved the remaining amount from my cash transfer to ensure I had enough for my daily expenses. This financial security has brought peace to my life, knowing that I can support my family and look forward to a brighter future. Thanks to GiveDirectly, my life has improved in more ways than I could have imagined, and I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity they've given me.
Enrolled
access_time 11 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Boosting my self-esteem is something that I have longed for in my life. Whenever someone enters my house, it's so hard to believe that it's someone's room. This is because the nature of my house and the beddings are not worthy. My room serves us as a kitchen, bedroom as well as a store. This has brought about the shame of welcoming any visitor. In addition, my biggest worry is about my daughter who is epileptic. I am always imagining how much I expose her to so many risks including the fire. My plan once I receive this money is to ensure I spend a better portion of it to construct a decent house that will spare us from this life's trouble. To ensure this comes to reality, I will spend $600 on this project. On the other hand, I will buy 4 goats at $200 as my long-term investment plan. The remaining amount will cater to other basic needs like food and transport expenses for my daughter. Hence, this is generally what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Based on the many challenges I face in life, I have always believed misfortunes are made for me. For this reason, I have suffered psychological torture for many years and I thought nothing good might come on my way. Fortunately, one day when I was doing my daily routine, my daughter-in-law came and inform me about the coming of GiveDirectly to our village. From that day, I felt so happy knowing that, soon my life will going to change. Hence, I consider this as what has brought joy to my life in the last 6 months.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
At the age of 84 years, one is expected to have settled and no more hard work to engage in due to being old. This is not the case with me because I am still actively engaged in some tasks like charcoal work to earn money for our upkeep. What a life! The sole reason is the fact that I do not have a person to depend on. To make the matter worse, I have my daughter who is epileptic and she is required to take medicines every day. Although we are given these medicines for free, the challenge is the transport cost to Kilifi town where we usually collect them. This has pushed me to venture into this business despite my old age. In addition, forfeiting meals has become our routine, a situation that has continuously made us weak. Hence, the financial instability in my household is what I consider to be my biggest challenge.
