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?
My community was in despair and GiveDirectly seems to have revived their hopes. What GiveDirectly does well is to give new hope to communities living in extreme poverty.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Ever since I was enrolled into the program, my goal has been to build a house because we live in a weak muddy house which was is almost crumbling. The monthly KES 3000 per month is very little and not enough to build a house therefore, I planned to save in a Sacco towards building. My husband doesn't have a reliable job and because he depends on casual jobs which are very scare, sometimes, he might go for even a week without one and it's been an uphill task for him providing basic needs and paying school fees for our kids. I saved KES 1000 from my first monthly transfer and bought food worth KES 150. For my second transfer, I saved KES 2500 and KES 200 and 300 to buy food and chicken respectfully. My saving plan seems to be doing well as anticipated and I'm hopeful that I will be able to build a permanent home at the end.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was in the morning as I was doing my normal errands of gathering chunks of timber so as to burn charcoal. Normally I survive on selling charcoal which I barely make as much as kshs 1000.I had left my phone at home and so as I went back home to wait for the charcoal to be ready I could see my phone had a message and with the anxiety I was excited to see the message was I had received money for Give directly and my hopes were high I could not think of anything but to save the little I have to achieve my dream home and spent the rest on meals as I waited my charcoal to be ready the next day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life is that I have changed my mind set ,before I didn't have any goals because I survive on selling charcoal and my husband is a casual laborer who hardly makes enough to provide even 2 decent meals. Through the years we have not managed to repair our leaking roof but with the funds from GiveDirectly before the year ends a big difference will be seen .Firstly I will build my three roomed house and eventually am planning to buy some chicken and goats.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I received kshs 1200 as my first transfer and saved it in a sacco because am intending to save throughout the year inorder to build a house.I saved kshs 1000 and used the 200 to buy a packet of maize flour and vegetables for that day I was grateful that GiveDirectly funds bought my dinner and my plans to own a home will be fulfilled soon.In a year am intending to save more than kshs 12,000 which will be enough to put up a three roomed house and eventually I will be able move from my small thatched house which is leaking from the roof.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My greatest desire has been to own a decent house that will offer me the respect I sincerely deserve. Currently, I live in a small house which is partly open at the roof. This has lowered my esteem and I always feel ashamed to welcome any visitor at home. When I heard about GiveDirectly, my plan was to make my dream come to reality. I intend to be saving my transfers to a Sacco, (2000 KES) every month for a year which will guarantee me a huge amount that can facilitate in construction of the house. The remaining transfers will help me to cater for other basic needs like food, new beddings and clothing. Therefore, this is basically what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Despite the many challenges I face in life, one thing that I am thankful for is the great effort my husband has done to ensure we start constructing a better house. From the little amount he has been giving me to save in a Sacco, we borrowed a loan of 10000 KES to initiate the construction process. This makes me feel so happy because of the step we have achieved. Hence, I consider this as what has brought joy in my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have been involved in harsh activities like charcoal burning and vending of firewood to get money. These activities has never been reliable since the income is very little normally 2000 KES per month. This can not fully sustain my household and I have always struggled to meet our needs. I therefore, consider the lack of a reliable source of income as the main challenge that I am currently facing.
