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.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After receiving my first transfer from GiveDirectly, I was finally able to address my long-standing health issues. I spent $55 on medical expenses, as I had been unwell for about six years due to financial constraints, which prevented me from affording a good hospital. Instead, I had been visiting public hospitals, but they never identified the problem. My health issues worsened, and I eventually reached a point where I couldn't even walk or stand on my own. However, the private hospital was able to provide a diagnosis, and I'm grateful to GiveDirectly for making this possible. Due to my health issues, fetching water and firewood became a problem, Especially since I lived alone after losing my wife. To address this, I bought a water tank for storage at $38 and spent $10 on firewood. I also invested $16 in two plastic chairs, as I had been sitting on stones outside my home, including when hosting visitors. Additionally, I purchased $15 worth of household items and utensils, and the remaining $66 went towards ensuring I had a balanced diet, as I had just been from the hospital. I'm thankful to GiveDirectly for this life-changing support.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
During GiveDirectly's enrollment, I was in a desperate state - I had been unwell for six years and couldn't walk or stand on my own, and I was crawling. The officers had to hold me to take a photo, as I was too weak to stand. Financial constraints prevented me from seeking better medical care, so I had been visiting public hospitals, but they never managed to identify the problem. However, receiving my first transfer from GiveDirectly enabled me to visit a private hospital, where I finally received a diagnosis and the correct medication. Now, I'm just going for follow-up checkups, and I'm thrilled to say that I can stand on my own and even take short walks around my house. This transformation has brought immense joy and gratitude to my life, and I'm forever thankful to GiveDirectly for the significant change they've brought into my life.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home in the evening when my helper came to inform me that she had received money from GiveDirectly. She asked if I had received mine, and I told her I had just heard a message sound. Unfortunately, I didn't know how to read. She checked for me and confirmed that I had received $200. I was overjoyed, I knew I was finally going to seek medical attention. I was no longer able to walk; I was crawling. I didn't have the money to go to a better hospital, as I had been going to public hospitals and they hadn't found a diagnosis yet. Finally, I knew I was going to go to a better facility. I am grateful to GiveDirectly.
Enrolled
access_time 5 months ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I can no longer work casually to earn a living and put food on the table. The only support that I am left with is my children, they are the one to provide food and other basic needs for me. It is about thirty years ago when I was involved in a road accident and I was lucky to have survived without any injury. I assumed this and never went for a medical check up. Little did I know that this will hunt me in the future. I am now struggling to walk and do other family chores. My back and legs are in pain, I am now living on painkillers to feel better. GiveDirectly gives me another chance to smile. With GiveDirectly's cash transfer, I will be able to go for medication and visit a specialist.
What is the happiest part of your day?
It was in December last year when my grandchildren paid me a surprise visit. I had nothing in the house to eat, they brought me plenty of food and clothes. I was not expecting this and I was so happy.
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
My first priority is to go for medication when I receive the transfers. I will set aside KES 20000 for medication. I will also ensure that I budget KES 10000 to stock food and buy beddings for my family.
I am approaching old age and this is worrying me since I have no savings nor investment. With the transfer I plan to invest KES 40000 on livestock farming. I will buy five goats and a cow. This will help me not to struggle in the future.
