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 idea of giving us an unconditional cash transfer was excellent. It has saved us from poverty that could not allow us to enroll our children in school on time. It was not only my child who had not enrolled in school at the of five years but some of my neighbors' children too. Everyone in the village is appreciative of the support. There are no complaints about the organization to encourage them to support more needy people.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have a 5-year-old son who had not enrolled in school. We depend on my spouse who does any of the odd jobs he comes around, but he does not earn much, and they are not reliable too. We, therefore, had to let the boy stay at home because we could not afford the cost of enrolling him in school. When I received the second transfer I spent KES 2000 to facilitate his enrollment which included school fees, books, and school uniform. We are so proud to see our son join the school. We were always worried and kept asking ourselves if God would ever open our ways of taking him to school because the little we got went to food. KES 800 I paid for a debt I owed a nearby shopkeeper who had lent me some foodstuffs. KES 200 I spent on a packet of cornflour for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($10 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was extremely happy when I heard that transfers had been sent. Immediately I confirmed my transfer, I first decided to go to the hospital. It was sent when I was just at home and lying on bed because I was in great pain. I never wasted time but quickly prepared myself and straight away went to the nearby hospital. I cannot control my happiness because I am strong and relieved from eye pain. I am glad that I can comfortably see again.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Since I received my transfer, the biggest difference in my life is being able to see again. I was in great pain before I received my transfer. In addition, I was afraid that I would lose my sight because I had no money that I could use to seek for proper medication. I am now happy that I can work and support my family. For the past two months, I was fully dependent on my husband who was basically doing everything for me.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had an eye problem as a result of being hit by a stick while I was attending to my cows. This subjected me to pain for a period because I was unable to raise money for my medication. This was a period that I persevered for about 2 months. When I received the transfer, I prioritized seeking medication. At first I had difficulty seeing but now I am feeling better. I am so grateful to GiveDirectly for coming to my aid when I was really in need.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have an eye injury that I sustained two weeks ago. It has been bothering me a lot since it is threatening my eyesight. I do not have any money to seek treatment. Receiving this money will help me a lot. I plan to use the whole amount; 1,200 KES for treatment.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am very proud of my only son. Since he secured a job as a house help five months ago, he has been supporting me financially. He is also saving for his college fees. Seeing him support me and heading in the right direction brings me a lot of joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of money for my needs is currently a big challenge for me. This month for example, I sustained an injury to my right eye but due to lack of money I have not been able to treat it. Living from hand to mouth does not give me an opportunity to save money for such emergencies. All I get from my charcoal business goes into buying food. My eye needs immediate attention since my vision has started becoming blurred.
