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?
Give Directly is effective at sending monthly cash transfers. The money boosts my confidence in meeting household needs without having to rely on my son. It is, in my opinion, a guaranteed monthly flow of income. I do not see anything wrong with the way Give Directly operates.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I quit making and selling charcoal for a living due to my advanced age and the physical demands of the job. As a result, I rely on my son, a construction worker in Mombasa, to meet my needs. While he may assist in raising funds for food, due to the inconsistency of his earnings, he may find it difficult to support any additional needs. One of my house's mud walls recently collapsed due to the decay of the wooden poles that held it up. Rather than renovating the wall, the transfers inspired me to build a new house. As a result, I saved the entire amount from the recent transfer to supplement with future transfers in order to secure wooden poles for the new structure.
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 overjoyed when I learned about the transfer's arrival. I knew deep down that the money would help to alleviate the household's hardships. The money would finally put an end to the hunger and constant lack of meals.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My daily life has changed dramatically since I received the transfer. Previously, my family would be forced to go without food for a full day due to a lack of funds. Unlike then, we no longer go to bed hungry because meals are always available for consumption throughout the day.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Since my husband's death, my sons have had to shoulder the burden of providing for the family's basic needs. Their earnings as casual laborers in house construction are highly unpredictable. They make money on some days but not on others. In order not to solely rely on them, I started a small business selling dried sardines. The stock was nearly depleted by the time I received the transfer, so I allocated KES 500 to replenish it. I'm relieved because the small profits I make allow me to provide at least one meal per day. In addition, I spent KES 500 on two hens to let them multiply and sell them later to make some money that will also help with food provision. Finally, I spent KES 170 on maize flour to prepare food for the family because we had slept on empty stomachs the night before.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a 74 years old widow. My house seriously leaks over the rainy seasons. The roof is full of holes. Renovating it has been my intention for two years but poverty is the hindrance. I earn through charcoal burning but the income is very little to meet the cost of the renovation. I approximately make 2,000 KES per month. This amount is even not enough to buy me food that can last for a month, so there is no way I can revamp my house. This money means a decent life for me. I will set aside 15,000 KES for iron sheets and 5,000 KES for the labor charge. Once my house is done, I will no longer have to suffer from cold-related complications.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest moment came during the Christmas period. My two sons who work in Mombasa had come home. I had missed them and I was delighted to see them after almost 6 months.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Charcoal burning is my day job. At the age of 74, this occupation is harmful to me. Despite all the risks that come with this job, I have to do it because that is where I get money to buy food for my family. My health here is on the line because I do not have any other option.
