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 years, my main goal is to focus on farming, especially growing food crops like maize. This will not only provide food for my family but also generate income when I sell the surplus. I plan to implement crop rotation by planting vegetables after harvesting maize, which will help improve the soil and increase my yields. Furthermore, I want to invest in better seeds and farming tools to enhance my productivity. By diversifying my crops, I can ensure that I have a steady supply of food throughout the year. Overall, I am excited about the future and believe that with hard work and dedication, I can build a more secure and prosperous life for my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has done a great job by enrolling everyone in the village without discrimination. This fair approach has made all of us feel included and valued, which is important in our community. I appreciate how they treat everyone equally, regardless of their background. Furthermore, their support has been timely and has made a real difference in our lives. Overall, I have not seen anything bad from GiveDirectly; all my experiences with them have been good, and I am very thankful.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Having a place to call my own has always been a dream of mine, especially after separating from my husband three years ago. I was living at my brother’s house, which was not ideal for me and my three children. With the unconditional cash transfer, I finally had the chance to construct a one-room house made of iron sheets for $350. This new home is a significant step towards stability and independence, allowing us to create our own space. In addition to building the house, I allocated $60 to buy a bed and mattress. Previously, I was using my brother’s bed, but now I have my own things, which brings me a sense of comfort and pride. I also set aside $40 for food, as we had been struggling to make ends meet. This money helped me provide meals for my children and allowed me to take a break from casual jobs, giving me the chance to focus on our new home and family life. Life has improved significantly since moving into my own house. I no longer carry the stress of living in someone else's space, and I feel more secure in my situation. My children are happier, and I can now plan for our future without worrying about where we will sleep at night. This cash transfer has truly changed our lives for the better, and I am grateful for the support that made this possible.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18240 KES ($142 USD)
access_time 3 months ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received my money while I was at home alone; my children had gone to school. I had just returned from fetching water from the river when I received a message confirming the receipt of $183 from GiveDirectly. I was so happy! The first thing that came to mind was fulfilling my dream of building my own house. For years, I have been living in my brother's house.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Living in my brother's house for the last three years has not been easy, and the uncertainty of eventually having to leave has always weighed on me. After my marriage broke down, my parents offered me a piece of land to build on, fulfilling my wish of living in my own house. Unfortunately, I didn't have the means to do so until GiveDirectly's support made it possible. I used my first transfer to buy building materials, and with my next transfer, I plan to build a house and fulfill my dream of having my own home, ensuring my children have shelter without having to worry.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After separating from my husband a few years ago, I moved back home with my three children. My brother kindly let us temporarily live in his house, but the thought of eventually having to leave has never been easy. Receiving GiveDirectly's support brought me hope, and all I could think about was building my own house, especially since my parents are willing to give me a space to build. I spent about $150 from my first transfer to buy building materials like iron sheets and nails, planning to use my next transfer to buy the remaining materials and start building. The rest of the money went toward food for my children. As a single mom with no formal job, I can't abandon my duty to provide for my kids. I've been doing casual jobs and charcoal production. Thanks to GiveDirectly, the cash gave me a break from these jobs, although I had to resume since the food didn't last long. But I am hopeful that by the end of my transfers, things will be better.
Enrolled
access_time 5 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
GiveDirectly's cash transfer program means a lot to me and the life of my loved ones. I found solace at my brother's house three years ago after separating with my husband. I am now living a peaceful life although I am not feeling comfortable living in a donated house. Building a habitable house is at the top of my budget list. I am planning to use $390 of my transfers to build a single room for my family of four. I am tired of working on casual jobs to earn a living, I am thinking of spending $250 of my transfers to open a kiosk in my village. This will help me have a stable family income.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My daughter Wendy Naisula was celebrating her fifth birthday anniversary on 18/01/2024. We got a surprise invite by combustion Africa an organization that supports children in vulnerable communities. To my surprise my daughter was given $40 as a birthday gift. I was filled with happiness, so I used her gift to buy a table and two chairs. This is helping her when she is doing her homework and revision.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Being the sole breadwinner for my family has an uphill task for me. I am not lucky with a reliable and a stable source of income. I wake up every morning to look for casual jobs to support my loved ones. On a good day I am paid $3 which ends up on food. I can say my life is from hand to mouth. I do not have any savings nor investment which is heartbreaking. My dream is to help my three children live the best life, but this is fading each and every day as I toil to put food on the table.