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.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the coming year and beyond, I am determined to transition towards drought-resistant crop farming. My intention is to cultivate crops like green gram and millet, testing their viability given the challenges of rapid drying that maize farming presents in our region when rain is scarce. This intentional change in farming strategy serves two purposes: first, to provide a sustainable food source for my family; and second, to investigate the possibility of making money by selling any extra output.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GD has done a superb job of providing us with unconditional transfers that are targeted to our unique requirements. We have the option to choose investments based on our unique demands and goals thanks to this strategy. I am extremely appreciative of GD for equipping us to make wise decisions during registration process.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Being a single mother raising three children has been a challenging journey for me, especially since my spouse passed away when the kids were very young. To make ends meet, I had to sell all the goats he had left behind, using the funds for various needs such as their education expenses, as my earnings from casual work were insufficient to cover everything. Upon receiving the transfer, I saw an opportunity to revive a long-forgotten project by investing in livestock. I purchased a cow and two goats, spending $70 and $100 respectively. Livestock rearing is a promising endeavor in our area, and I believe it will provide a reliable source of income through future sales. Additionally, the cow will supply milk for my family's consumption.
Furthermore, I used a portion of the funds, $40, to settle my son's secondary school fee, as he was sent home due to non-payment, which had been affecting his studies. This ensures he can now focus on his education without interruption. For my family's sustenance, I allocated $950 to purchase food. I also addressed the need for suitable seating for visitors by purchasing four plastic chairs for $450. This improvement is vital, as our old chairs were in poor condition.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18010 KES ($129 USD)
access_time 10 months ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was unwinding at home when my phone notified me of a message. Since I am a proficient reader, I read it at that time. When I found out that GiveDirectly had actually sent the anticipated transfer. My heart filled with joy as I joyfully sang while praising the omnipotent God.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Even though I am still sick, I am glad that I was able to use part of my transfer to pay for my medication. I believe that I will recover very soon and be able to invest in other income-generating activities.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I've been sick for a while now. This has consistently prompted me to seek medical care the majority of the time. I'm pleased that GiveDirectly's transfer arrived on schedule. I was able to use the KES 8,000 from the amount received to pay my medical fees and keep receiving therapy. Additionally, I used the same amount to buy the food items we required. With the remaining money, I spent KES 1000 on buying maize seeds and another KES 1000 on barbed wire for my farm's fence.
Enrolled
access_time 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
For the first transfers I plan to purchase food; 1 bag of maize at 50 dollars, grocery and other accessories at 40 dollars, and also buy 2 goats at 40 dollars each. For the two remaining transfers, I plan to purchase 2 more goats at 40 dollars which will be a good investment into the future and since my son Brian is in form three I plan to pay for his tuition fees for the remaining year. This will lift a big burden of worry for his education. Since I have been diagnosed as a diabetic, I will use part of the money to buy food suitable for me and also medication. With the transfers, I will be able to transform my life a great deal.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have drawn my happiness in the past six months from my family and being able to provide for them. Whenever I get food for my family a feel very happy even though we are faced with a lot of challenges.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
At the moment I'm alone in the family since my husband is deceased and I have to cater for my children alone. I have to pay for my children school fees and also provide all basic needs. It is difficult since I depend on casual works which is not enough for all the needs in my family. In addition to this, I was diagnosed with diabetics which has made it difficult for me to be productive and this has seen my children getting chased from school since I cannot afford their tuition fees. I fell sad most of the time because of the predicaments I face in my life.
