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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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($434 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Considering my advanced age, I cannot handle any strenuous task to raise money and support the needs of my family. I believe raising livestock is the surest way I can contribute to household essentials, as I could sell them to generate money in the future. By next year, I wish to have bought three more goats to grow my herd to ten.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
According to me, Give Directly is doing a significant job of giving people from poor communities unconditional cash. I have seen how these transfers have transformed people’s living standards in my village. Many have built houses, bought livestock, and supported the education of their children. I only wish that my two sons would have benefited from the transfers as well because they are going through a tough time providing for their children.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Immediately after I received the cash, I spent $205 to buy seven goats, specifically for rearing. Given my advanced age and vulnerable health condition, livestock keeping is the only investment I can easily manage to fend for myself. My wish is to raise money to support my son, Kalume, who has been bearing the huge burden of caring for me alongside his wife and three children. I also used $190 to fund my medical procedures since I had fallen very ill at that time. My condition has drastically improved over the period; I cannot thank Give Directly enough. Lastly, the cash transfers helped me to provide food for my family, which bought my son enough time to raise money for more.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was in one of the afternoons at around 1pm while I was lying on my bed not feeling well when I received a message in my phone. I called my helper so that he could see what the message was all about. Alas! It was a huge amount of money that I was not expecting to get soon. GiveDirectly had sent me the promised amount we were told though at first I thought it was just a mere say when the officers visited us only to realize it was true.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Initially my main source of income was making and selling charcoal. I did this kind of job for so long that it brought some health problems in me though I had no alternative. The biggest thing that I can say of GiveDirectly is that, the transfer they sent me really helped me to seek medical attention. If it were not for GiveDirectly then I do not know where I could be as at now. Thank you so much for the transfer it really did wonders and I am now feeling better.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
For a long time I have been sick, suffering from chest problem which was as a result of prolonged charcoal making business. Even the day I received the money I was on bed ailing. Upon withdrawing the money, I used a bigger percentage in my medication and I thank God I am now doing well. For the remaining amount, I bought a bed, 3 goats and some food stuff.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means livestock keeping. I am an old widower without any source of a stable income. Over the years, I have been burning charcoal for my daily survival. This business is no longer reliable because there are no more trees for burning anymore due to the persistent drought in my village. Consequently, due to my old age, it takes me a whole week to get one sack of charcoal that goes at 350 KES. This money is not enough to sustain my basic needs. My ambition has been to keep goats and cows. However, due to the drought, only goats survival this weather condition. Upon receiving this money therefore, I will buy ten goats that will cost 30000 KES. I will then use the remaining amount to invest in agriculture during the rain season.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Honestly in the last six months, I have not had anything to make me happy. This is because, it is exactly six and a half months since my spouse died. She used to be the greatest support in my life. She used to help me, take me to hospital for my eye treatment. However, since she died, life has been very difficult for me and I have not had any moment to be happy. I will be happy when I get support from this project because I will be able to seek medical attention for my eye and get back to charcoal burning business.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The main challenge that is facing my life is my left eye that shed a lot of tears and irritation. I have tried my best to seek medical attention but I have not received any advance medical attention due to lack of money. Before my late wife died, she used to burn charcoal, sell then use the profit for my treatment. Since she died, I have no one to help me anymore. My desire is to restore my eye sight. Upon receiving this cash transfer, I will use part of it to seek medical attention so that I can restore my sight.
