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?
The most significant accomplishment of Give Directly has been the development of a program that benefits every adult in a household. This allows everyone to participate in providing for the family rather than relying solely on the breadwinner. Give Directly's work, in my opinion, is absolutely faultless.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I rely on my son, who works from one casual job to the next to make ends meet. He carries the responsibility of raising funds for food and supporting his children's education. To avoid being a burden to him, I began raising chickens that would multiply and help me fend for myself when I sold them. For this purpose, I purchased three hens worth KES 900 from the transfer. When the flock grows large enough, I plan to trade it for goats and eventually cattle. I saved KES 1,500, which I intend to supplement with future transfers to purchase a new bed and mattress to replace the old worn-out and tattered beddings. I used the remaining funds to purchase food because the household had run out the previous night.
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?
My son assisted me in confirming the receipt of the transfer because I was unable to read the message. Words are not enough to express the joy I felt in my heart. I recall kneeling and praying for Give Directly, asking God to continue to bless their work.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Purchasing chicken for rearing is the most significant accomplishment I have recorded since the transfer. Unlike in the past, I am more optimistic about the future. I am confident that in the event of a financial emergency, I will no longer have to be concerned about the outcome of events or the source of funds.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am unable to engage in income-generating tasks to sustain my living due to my advanced age. As a result, I have to rely on my sons to provide for the household's necessities. However, the money they earn from their part-time work is insufficient to cover all of the family's needs. Our neighbors occasionally offer to give us food on credit when things get tough. For this reason, when I got the money, I spent it on food worth KES 570. Aside from that, I've always considered poultry keeping as a reliable source of money. Therefore, I used the remaining KES 600 to buy two hens. These chickens will help me raise income to support my livelihood once they reproduce and multiply.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means improving my livelihood. At the moment, I depend on my sons who are doing casual jobs in Mombasa to provide for me all the necessities. Sometimes, they fail to provide me with food and this means forfeiting some meals. With this cash grant, I will, therefore, be able to sustain the needs using my transfers. On the other hand, I will buy some goats that will act as my investment project to help me in the future.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Last December, my children came home from Mombasa after several months. They brought home some gifts for me including new clothes. In addition, they cooked delicious meals that we shared and this gave me the feeling of happiness as a mother.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Being aged and at the same time a widow, I depend most on my sons to provide food for me. Considering the nature of their casual jobs, they earn very little, and sometimes, they fail to provide for me. This means I am forced to forfeit some meals or survive with one a day. Hence, I consider food insecurity as the main challenge that I am currently facing.
