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?
GiveDirectly, in my honest opinion, does so well in avoiding exploiting the recipients. Its employees are soft-spoken and endeavor to be patient with each recipient. They provide the best services and are always willing to help and safeguard each recipient from fraudsters. In general, the cash has brought about a significant transformation in the village, allowing residents to begin keeping goats and doing poultry farming. I am extremely grateful for what GiveDirectly has done for us thus far. Everyone in the community is overjoyed at the prospect of being a part of the GD program.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Making and selling charcoal is generally my main source of income although my husband does a casual job in Mombasa, his job is inconsistent, thus he rarely provides money for our upkeep. Both of our sources of income are unpredictable and pay a small amount. Making charcoal is a difficult task, and doing it regularly causes me severe discomfort. Furthermore, obtaining customers is always challenging. I immediately spent KES 1,500 on meals after receiving the transfer. When schools reopen, I intend to spend the remaining KES 1,500 to pay school fees for my four children.
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?
As I was sweeping the compound in the morning, I heard my phone beep. Since I'm not able to read, I called my daughter who is in class six to come check it out for me. On checking, she told me that I had just received KES 1200 from Segovia Technologies. My heart was filled with happiness, I knew that my prayer had been answered. I withdrew the money later on in the day and put it into good use.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
GiveDirectly has really been of great help to my entire family. With these transfers, we're guaranteed of having meals on our table and also my kids are well clothed now.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Before receiving my first transfer of KES 1200, the food left in my house was going to last for three days only and then we'd have nothing at all to eat with my family. Immediately the transfers hit my account and after withdrawal, I used KES 900 to restock food in the house. This ensured that we have enough food for my family. The remaining KES 300, I used to get some new clothes for my four kids who had not so good outfits. My husband majorly does casual jobs and thus his income is not stable, I saw it fit to help him with some responsibilities once I received my transfer.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My husband started building for me a nice home but insufficient finances made him stop and concentrate on educating our children. I have always wanted to help him finish what he started but lack of source of income has made it impossible. My plans for these transfers when they start to come are to withdraw half and use it to either pay school fees for my children or buy food whichever comes first then save the other half until it is enough to buy a few livestock. These animals will therefore come in hand when they start to multiply because I will be using the money I get from selling them to finish the house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
During Christmas, I slaughtered a goat for my family and friends something that we have not done for a long time and this made me happy to see people coming together to celebrate with us.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
We ended the year well after a prolonged season of drought we experienced last year. It gave me hopes that made me start cultivating a small piece of land so at least to harvest something later. This has however not been the case since the beginning of the year. The crops are dying and my hope for a better tomorrow is diminishing every day. My challenge currently is lack of money to feed my children because I used all the money I had in buying seeds hoping that I will have good reaping.
