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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($377 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Right now, I'm stuck in this bed, feeling like a weight on my family's shoulders because I can't take care of myself. But there's this dream, a glimmer of hope that keeps me going. If I can just get my hands on some money, my only goal is to use it for my health. I want to see doctors, get the treatments I need, and inch closer to regaining my independence. I know it won't be easy, but this little glimmer of a future where I can stand on my own again, that's what I'm holding onto.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I can't express how grateful I am to GiveDirectly for their incredible help. They've truly transformed our lives, and we're over the moon with their assistance. They did everything perfectly, and I haven't seen any hiccups along the way. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for making a real difference in our lives.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I've been through some tough times lately. I can't even stand or walk because of an illness that's taken over me. But when I received that cash from GiveDirectly, it felt like a lifeline. With the help of my young brother, we made sure I wouldn't go hungry. We bought some food that not only filled my belly but also gave me some strength back. Those meals shared with my brother became precious moments of connection and care amid my struggles.
But I knew that food alone wouldn't make me better. So, I used a significant part of the money to seek medical treatment. Finally, I could afford the medicine and care I needed to fight this illness. It's not been an easy journey, but every day, I'm a little closer to getting back on my feet. GiveDirectly didn't just provide cash; they gave me hope and the chance to heal.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($444 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
While in bed at around 2 pm not feeling well, I heard a message tone from my phone. Since I do not know how to read and write, I informed my daughter who is also my helper to check for me what kind of message it was. Upon confirming, she informed me that I had received the promised $550 from GiveDirectly. My heart was filled with joy and thanksgiving since I had got something to seek medication. For all that time, I was just at home unable to go to the hospital due to lack of money.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before getting the first transfer, I was going through a tough ailing time with no money for medication. Currently, I am doing well because the money boosted me for medication. In addition to that, I will not strain much on school fees because I saved some amount for them. I also bought some food to ensure food security. Initially, I used to go without food for at least a day a week but now I have access to food. I register my gratitude to the organization.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I withdrew the money, I used $110 to seek medication. I am happy because the money helped me greatly. I was able to get medical assistance. I also used $90 to dig a pit latrine since there was no toilet at home. That made me feel ashamed of myself once I receive some visitors. Currently, I have two children who are in secondary school. Since I do not have a defined source of income, I opted to save $300 for their school fees once the schools open. For the remaining amount, I decided to buy some food plus some personal effects for my family.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have a family of ten and all are living in a three-room house. The house is spacious for the family and even visitors. The roof is okay but the wall is muddy and it is not stable. It has holes that allow wind in which affects my health even more. I have a stroke and am always indoors. My first son who is a teacher by profession helps in buying food for the family and also pays school fees for the three brothers who are schooling. Two in secondary and one in primary school. The two in secondary have a collective fees balance of $700 and the one in primary has arrears of $30. I will use $730 to offset the school fees balance so that my children can stay at school and improve their performance. I will also use $200 to renovate my house and change it from a muddy wall to a semi-permanent house. I am happy for the program that Give directly have brought in our village. I see the hope of life now because of Give directly.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My health condition is something pathetic even to myself. I get help from neighbors and as a father, I have three children who are schooling and I feel there is a gap that I need to fill. Paying school fees for my children is my responsibility but I am unable to do so. The two in secondary school have a fee balance of $300 each and the one in primary has a balance of $ 30. The firstborn is working towards my medication and food for the family. He has a lot of responsibility to take. Sincerely speaking I am not a happy person at all. I only thank God for the gift of life and I hope all will be way with my children who are still schooling.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am a father of eight and I got an accident five years ago when I was working with Petro city petrol station in Mombasa. On January 2017 a container slides from one of the lorries and fell on my left leg. I lost consciousness and was rushed to the hospital. My leg was amputated and my lifestyle changed forever. Later on 2020, I suffered a stroke that made me unable to walk completely. I am always indoors. The accident and stroke affected my work. I only depend on my son who works as a teacher. My wife Zawadi is mentally challenged and she cannot even take care of me. I get assistance from the neighbours in terms of dressing and washing my body. Being an ability to stand on my own and walk is the challenge I am currently facing.
