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 commend Give Directly for issuing unconditional transfers to needy people so that they can uplift their lives away from the jaws of poverty. However, I would recommend to the organization conduct physical follow-up in the villages so that they can document success stories of transformation of lives.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Imagine a scenario where you have made it in life, created wealth over time, and enjoyed the fruits of your labor during your old age. This is the future I had visioned when I was young and energetic. I had accumulated wealth through the ownership of livestock. Cumulatively, I had slightly over 80 livestock. When the drought struck, I lost everything in three months. This left me devastated and I have since never fully recovered from that. Now that I am old and can no longer work, I fully depend on my son who works as a mason building houses for other people. When I received my transfer of KES 3000, I spent it all. I bought a goat. I bought the goat because I wanted to start all over again in rearing and owning a lot of livestock just like I had in the past. Once they multiply, my family can sell and use the money to take care of the most pressing needs, even in my absence.
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 received the transfer message early in the morning. I heard my phone ringing while doing some household chores. I called for my helper to check for me who could have sent a message since I could not understand. He confirmed to me that I had finally received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. I felt happy and thanked GiveDirectly for their support. My grandson who had been at home for weeks due to fee arrears could now go back to school.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I received the transfer when my grandson had stayed at home for some weeks due to fee arrears. This made him miss his classes, and my son was not able to raise the money for him to be allowed back to school. I am glad that I was able to pay for the arrears and he was allowed to continue with his studies. Seeing him back to school makes it to be the biggest difference in my daily life. It would have taken more weeks to raise the fees had I not received the transfer.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My grandson had stayed at home for weeks because I could not pay fees on time. This was troubling me because he was missing a lot from school and might fail his exams. Thus I spent Ksh. 500 to settle the fee arrears. I am happy that it was through the transfer he was allowed to continue with his studies. It has been also my desire to own some goats since they are living assets that can help in case of a financial need. I took Ksh. 500 and added to my savings and purchased a goat which I'm currently rearing. My expectation is that it will reproduce and increase in number. Through the goats, I will be able to cater for my future financial needs by selling the offspring. I spent the remaining amount on buying foodstuffs such as flour, beans and sugar to feed my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
A comfortable life is what it means to me by receiving this money. I have for a long time admired sleeping on a modern bed and a mattress but this has never been possible due to financial instability. With this cash grant, I intend to spend my money on materializing this dream, and to ensure this comes to reality, I only need to accumulate 15000 KES of my transfers. This will guarantee me a better livelihood at the age of 86 years. The remaining transfers will aid in getting my other basic needs like food with ease.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Over the last 6 months, one thing that stands out to have brought joy in my life is when I heard about the arrival of GiveDirectly to our sub-location. This gave me the feeling of happiness because I am optimistic about getting money to facilitate all my expenses.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My old age came with a lot of challenges to my life because I am currently not able to walk long distances. Since I lack money to facilitate my transport, I am forced to forgo all the community activities and congregations that I am expected to attend, something that has contributed to more backlashes from my neighbors. Hence, I consider financial constraints as the main challenge that I am currently facing.
