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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be updated on Elizabeth's next check-in.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($26 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in helping us with the direct cash transfer to our phone. Similarly, the aid is not affiliated with any religious or political influence which has reduced any fraud or discrimination. In addition, I had the right to decide on how to use it. I do not see anything that GiveDirectly does not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Improving my poultry farming has always been my longing in my life. After receiving my transfer, I spent the recent transfer to purchasing two more chicken for KES 500. This is my future investment in the family. In addition, I bought various foodstuffs for my family the cost KES 1500 in total. Furthermore, I spent 500 of the remaining amount to seek medical care for myself since I was sick two days after receiving my transfer. The remaining amount, I saved to assist me whenever I face any financial crisis. I also plan to spend KES 2500 of my next transfer to boost the livestock rearing by purchasing one goat extra.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($10 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was exactly 9 am when I was outside my house relaxing after coming home from the farm. I was with my grandchildren sharing stories while laughing. This is something that we always do after completing our morning chores. I received two consecutive messages on my phone. I was very curious to know their content since it was unusual for me to receive messages. I could not believe my ears when I was informed that it was the transfer from GiveDirectly. Joy filled my heart for receiving my transfer, I was very sure that I will solve most of my financial challenges with the it.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Able to restart the poultry rearing is the biggest difference in my life. This is because I had the experience in poultry farming since I had been rearing them but they all died due to a strange disease. With the poultry farming, I will have something to rely on whenever I encounter financial challenges in the future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent most of my recent transfer to purchase sufficient food for myself. This is because I am no longer able to work and I totally depend on my kids. The transfer has been of great help to me. I am currently able to meet my essential needs like food without struggling. I also used the remaining amount to purchase 2 chicks to raise a future investment for myself. I am planning to use the next transfer to boost my poultry rearing by purchasing more chicken. Once they multiply, I will be able to sell the to cater for any financial emergency.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I do not have a decent sleeping place. I own a traditional bed my husband bought for me way before he died but no mattress. The one I used to have is currently old and torn into pieces that I have to arrange them properly especially on the head side each sleeping time. The remaining spaces in between the mattress pieces I fill with dirty clothes stuffed in gunny bags. I must say it's not very comfortable to an extent that every morning I wake up with a lot of back pains, but it's all I have for now. When I get this money I will first buy a mattress for my bed, thereafter I'll also repair my house which is equally old at the moment.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I was very happy when I went to hospital last year and got into treatment for hypertension which helped a great deal.the treatment normalized my heart rate and I wasn't feeling headaches anymore and my body was also not so tired.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Currently my challenges are with my health conditions. I have been getting a lot of stomach upset and running stomach that I can't even tell what is happening. I was also diagnosed with prehypertension condition for which I'm still taking drugs. But I'm beginning to feel the drugs are not effective because the problem is still growing and currently my heart rate has also increased a lot.
