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 does well by helping the needy and helpless in the society. In my case, I am on the road to owning land. This has not been the case for many tears because of the cultural norms we have. A woman is not allowed to own land since time immemorial. Through the funds I will receive from the transfer, I will change this and inspire the girl child. They too can own land and live a happy life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Owning land has been my primary goal for the past five years. I do not own the land I am currently living in. Before my husband passed away, we had the idea of saving money to buy land for ourselves. After he passed away, things became tough for me to raise some money to buy land. I do manual jobs such as cutting down trees and making charcoal because of lack of better jobs. The money I earn is not enough for me to save for buying land. When I enrolled in the program, it renewed my hopes that I could fulfill my desires of owning land. I have been receiving threats from the owners of land that I was going to be chased out of their land. This has been giving sleepless nights and my health has worsened because of stress and a lot of thoughts. When I received my second transfer, I saved the money. This will help me save enough to buy land where I will start a fresh and peaceful with my kids.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
So happy.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I felt so happy. At least I have some hope in life. Getting food would not be a problem anymore. Thank you so much, GiveDirectly. You have put a smile on my face.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving money from GiveDirectly has been of great help to me and my family. I am an old woman. I do not have any work at the moment but to depend on farming when it rains. In which we are experiencing extreme drought. I hence have no money but to depend on my children and grandchildren to support me through life. The transfer assisted me so much in buying three packets of floor at Kes.345. Two chicken at Kes. 600 and paid the remaining amount for my grandchildren school fees. Thank you so much for the transfer.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a better house for me. Currently, I live in a small grass-thatched house that I share with my co-wife and this has congested it due to the many belongings we have. When I receive my transfers, I plan to use them to start the construction and I believe in 10 months, I will have achieved this. In addition, I will buy a modern bed and a mattress to replace my rugged sacks. This will bring about a better change in my livelihood, a transformation that I have wished for a long time.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In the past 6 months, I have never complained of sickness. Also, seeing my family healthy is something that gives me peace of mind because diseases can bring about more stress. Hence, I consider this as what has brought about happiness in my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Imagine at the age of 52 years, I am still actively engaged in charcoal burning as the main source of income. To make 1 bag of charcoal, cost me a whole month yet its income is $6 only. This means skipping some meals or borrowing from my relatives which in most cases are not reliable has become my norm. Therefore, I consider financial instability as the many challenge that I am currently facing in my life.
