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.
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($485 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
check
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different than how it was before because I have been able to construct a spacious permanent house. Before the coming of GiveDirectly, I have been sleeping under a small temporary house and it could not accommodate some of my family members. Therefore they were forced to sleep at my neighbor's house. Also, whenever it could rain I had to seek shelter since the house had a leaky roof. Secondly, I was able to clear the hospital bill for my son who has been unwell for so many years, and as a family, we didn't have enough to facilitate that. I am now happy because he is recovering. I would not have done all these if it were not for the financial support.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly did well by choosing our village to benefit from this project. Also, this organization was not selective and every household benefited. Therefore I couldn't see anything which was not done well within the village.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent a huge portion of my second transfer on buying some building materials such as bricks, sand, bags of cement. This was for the construction of a decent permanent house since the previous one was almost collapsing and this has been frustrating me for years. Also, with the remaining amount of money, I bought enough foodstuffs for my family and other household items that I was lacking
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($493 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I remember receiving a message in my phone early in the morning. I was at the hospital taking care of my son who had been admitted awaiting surgery. I was in distress since I could not pay for the medical bills. However, when I checked the contents of the message, I realised I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. I felt happy and peaceful because my son would now be treated.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I used the transfer to pay for my son's medical bill. He was undergoing a surgery and paying for the medical expenses was not easy. I had sold almost everything I had to pay for the bill. When I received the transfer, I was greatly relieved because I cleared the medical bill and he was treated. The operation was successful and he is now recuperating well. I would not have paid for the medical expenses had I not received this money. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for the financial help. Seeing my son doing well is the biggest difference in my daily life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my first transfer to pay for medical expenses for my son who was undergoing a surgery. I was in deep distress because I could not raise the whole amount of his medical bills. I had to borrow money from my neighbours and also did a fundraise to clear the bill. The money was still not enough for the surgery. When I received the first transfer, I was relaxed and paid the remaining amount. My son was treated and now recovering. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for coming at the right time to save my son.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
" I am a widow who was blessed with 7 beautiful children. 2 of this kids are unhealthy. My eldest child suffers from lack of blood in his body for 2 years now. I have been treating him from various hospitals but doctors has failed to determine the problem causing the lose of blood in his body. Currently, he is in Kenyatta National Hospital. In a month, doctors normal adds him 5 packets of blood which last for one month this problem has drain all our savings. Though I have been getting support from the community who does fundraising for him but it has not been enough to settle the bill. It keeps on raising everyday.The other one suffers frequently stomach ache. It started the same time with his brother and since that time he has been serverving using drugs. Receiving this transfer means seeking proper medication and setting bills for the one addimitted.
What is the happiest part of your day?
"Night is the most happiest part of my day. It is at this time when I have time to rest after a long day of thinking of how I am going to raise funds for my children medication bill."
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
"Depression becomes my biggest hardship in life. Watching my 2 children ailing for 2 years now without getting well has real cause unhappiness in me."
