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.
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3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($280 USD)
access_time 10 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
At present, I lack a concrete plan for the coming year and beyond due to the absence of a reliable source of income, despite numerous ongoing obligations. My current focus is on supporting my daughter, who is hospitalized and awaiting an amputation procedure for her left leg. My prayers and hopes are centered on the success of this procedure. Once completed, I will have the opportunity to redirect my attention towards other goals that I believe will shape the outcome of the year.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has been incredibly helpful in our daily lives, and its impact has been evident as everyone has been able to pursue initiatives that have flourished. The financial challenges we faced were numerous, but receiving the unconditional transfer allowed us to make informed decisions that eased our burdens. The program's transparency and fairness, without requiring any bribes or trickery for enrollment, are commendable, and we appreciate the organization for this. The entire process has been positive, and I hope that GiveDirectly continues with the same approach in future villages.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
For over two years, my daughter has battled a chronic wound on her left leg, suspected to be caused by a tumorous growth. Despite numerous attempts by local doctors, her condition has only worsened over time, leaving her in excruciating pain and with limited mobility. As her primary caregiver, I have devoted much of the support I received from GiveDirectly towards her medical expenses, including transportation costs averaging $30 per trip to the hospital. With the final transfer, I prioritized essential needs for my family, allocating $40 for food to sustain us. Recognizing my daughter's need for comfort during her illness, I invested $60 in purchasing a bed and mattress, hoping to alleviate her suffering. Additionally, I purchased two goats for $70, intending to breed them for future financial security in my old age. Despite the challenges, I remain hopeful for my daughter's recovery, especially as she undergoes a recommended leg amputation procedure at a hospital in Kabarnet. As we journeyed to the hospital, I covered the transportation expenses and set aside the remaining funds to cover the costs of the procedure and ongoing medication. I am profoundly grateful to GiveDirectly for their invaluable support during this challenging time, and I pray for my daughter's swift recovery and improved health.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($302 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the future, my primary goal is to secure a skilled specialist who can provide the best possible treatment for my daughter. Despite the numerous financial responsibilities I face, I remain optimistic, and confident that my third transfer will help me achieve this objective. I am sincerely grateful and content with the progress we have made on our journey so far.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I was deeply impressed by the way GiveDirectly conducted its operations; they exhibited remarkable competence throughout the process. The officers were not only friendly but also allowed us ample time to share our thoughts, treating our opinions with the utmost respect. This high level of consideration and inclusivity further reinforced my positive perception of GiveDirectly's operations.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had numerous goals, but unfortunately, they were put on hold because I needed to focus on my daughter's medical treatment. Her health has been a heavy burden that I have carried for some time, as there's no one else to turn to for support. I am a farmer, although I am not as physically energetic as I used to be due to old age, which has led me to rely more on my children. I have five children and two grandchildren. Upon receiving my second transfer, I spent $300 on my daughter's medical expenses. After that, I purchased a goat for $50 and maize worth $100. These actions were previously impossible because we've been living a hand-to-mouth existence. I am thrilled that my life has been significantly improved, all thanks to the organization's support. My prayer is for my daughter to respond positively to her treatment soon.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18010 KES ($126 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The memory of receiving my transfer remains crystal clear in my mind. I was at home, savoring a tranquil moment of leisure while tending to the garden. Unexpectedly, my phone vibrated, prompting me to contact my daughter to investigate the message's content given my advanced age. She confirmed that it indicated a new Mpesa notification message. The news immediately elevated my mood, flooding me with happiness. Brimming with enthusiasm, I swiftly began formulating ideas on how to optimally utilize the funds.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The support I've received fills me with immense gratitude, given the deep impact it has had on my life. Navigating through financial limitations had posed challenges in covering my daughter's medical expenses. Nonetheless, the aid I obtained, particularly the generous contribution that played a pivotal role in easing this burden, has infused me with renewed hope. I can now glimpse a brighter future ahead, and for that, I hold genuine appreciation.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Since my daughter's diagnosis with an unknown ailment, our circumstances have taken a difficult turn. The resources we manage to gather are consistently directed toward her accumulating medical expenses. My livelihood relies on farming, yet in my advanced years, this proves insufficient as I lack the vigor to engage in larger-scale endeavors. I share my home with my daughter and two grandchildren. Upon receiving my initial transfer, I prioritized my daughter's medical bills, spending $100 for this purpose. Subsequently, I invested $25 in purchasing hens, and the remaining sum was dedicated to procuring essential food supplies. The support I received has brought an unparalleled sense of happiness and hope for a brighter future, for which I am eternally thankful.
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
This money could have come at a time like this, I can breathe a sigh of relief with the transfers from GiveDirectly, more than before I am now certain of taking my sickly daughter to Eldoret for Medication something inconceivable in the past. I am extremely and forever grateful, my daughter will finally appreciate that she will be attended to and possibly get well soon. We have had the worst of times full of stress and destitution due to inadequacy. We have been afflicted by the vicious cycle of poverty, more so food poverty. It is from the foregoing that we intend to use all the transfers to seek treatment and a small amount to purchase foodstuffs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I don't remember the last time I afforded a smile. It has been hard, pain is all over me. It seems to get worse each day, I am stressed and anguished by the suffering of my daughter, I don't know whether she will survive, she might not make it. Life can be hard and unforgiving, each day I pray for God to heal her. I am also grappling with the inadequacy of food and the high cost of living, I have just resigned myself to fate, It is hard, I hope against hope and live each day as it comes not certain of what the next day holds for me.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am old and struggling a lot on my own, my legs are feeble and I have difficulty walking. I fend for myself and a sickly daughter, Marina. She has been sick for the last 3 years, she has a cancerous leg and she goes through a lot of pain, she cannot move at all and has to be assisted to do everything. It gives me sleepless nights to take care of her, she sometimes cry uncontrollably because of the pain and request to be taken to the hospital but I am helpless since I do not have the money to take her for medication in Eldoret Referral Hospital. I have been treating her with traditional medicine but there has been no improvement. Day after day, I have massive worries and wrestle with hopelessness and the thoughts of ever being able to take my daughter to the hospital. The 3 years have been hell, unbearable, and miserable. I am poor with the state of my sick daughter