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?
The organization does well by helping the needy in the society. We are facing lots of problems and through the money we get, we can clear these problems and even uplift our lives. The unconditional transfer is good in that we do not have to think hard on how we can repay the money back but how we can escape from the jaws of poverty.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent the entire amount of KSH 3000 from the transfer to buy food. I bought 12 packets of 2kg maize flour, 2kg of sugar, 1kg rice, 1kg of beans, some 2litres of cooking oil and some soap to wash my clothes and utensils. My health condition is worsening each day, making it hard to be dependent. Persistent coughing and a broken leg have contributed to the current situation I am in. I used to weave some sisal ropes used for making beds and sell them in the market. Because of the current health conditions, I cannot do any work and depend fully on help from my son. My son is a Matatu driver and earns very little from the job. He does not send me money to buy food and I have to survive on one meal or sleep hungry. I bought food because my son had communicated to me he did not have any money and my food in the house was getting finished. To avoid sleeping hungry, I decide to spend the money on food.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Being a stay home mom, I always wake up early to prepare my kids to go to school. While I was busy doing that, I heard a loud message notification on my phone. After checking, I realized that I had received my transfer. I called my mother-in-law to confirm if she had also gotten her transfer. Indeed she had received hers too. We both stood outside chatting and laughing and also suggesting possible ways we could spend on the transfer.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The most significant difference in my life is that I am now getting better from the illness. This would have been possible were it not for the transfer that enabled me to seek proper medication. I am grateful for that. I am even looking forward to tomorrow that things will be better with the help from GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The thing that took a considerable portion of my transfer was paying medication for myself. I am currently recovering from the illness. The illness left me very weak, and I was not able to find myself. When I received the transfer, the best option for me was to seek proper medication. I spent KSH 2000 on that. In addition to that, I saved the remaining KSH 1000 for my use in the future.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
When I was a young mother, I used to sell woolen baskets. The business had good returns. However, age caught up with me, and I was disabled to move long distances and I could not provide food for myself. Give directly transfers will help me purchase food for myself. As well, I plan to provide capital for my granddaughter at least she can start a business of first moving goods.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I will be lying if I am to say that I am happy. I have lived with tuberculosis for long without medication. The moment I will be able to get treatment, I will be very happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
During my 30s, I used to sell baskets. The luggage I used to carry around were heavy. It emerges that, this led to chest pains which grew to Tuberculosis. I have lived with it, with no money to visit nearby hospitals. As well, my legs have swollen but I have not yet established the cause. This feels to be the biggest challenge.
