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?
GiveDirectly does well by helping the needy in the society. With all the sort of challenges I have been facing, I see this as an opportunity to help me take care of myself. I am happy that I will sleep on a mattress for the fast time in my life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With my age, I currently depend on my relatives to help me with my different needs. The current state of my health is bad and I need constant medical attention. They diagnosed me with ulcers at the begging of last year. Besides the ulcers, I have waist and back problems. The genesis of my problems is me sleeping down on the bare floor. I have spent the better part of my life sleeping on the floor because I could not afford a bed or a mattress. When I received the transfer, I saved the KSH 2500 awaiting to add some more money so that I can buy a mattress. The mattress will go a long way in helping reduce my waist and back ache problem. I also spent KSH 500 in buying a heavy and warm sweater to wear during the night when sleeping. Since I am sleeping on the floor, it gets freezing at night and has affected my chest. To make things easier for me with the cold, I bought the sweater.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The transfers came at a time when I was away attending my brother's burial at my maternal home. When I came back after three days my daughter-in-law informed me that I have received the transfer because had left my phone with her. The news made me happy because I knew the first thing I wanted to do was to buy clothes and food for the family.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
These transfers made me have a new set of clothes that are presentable and do not expose my body, unlike the torn ones I had before.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I took KES 500 and gave my daughter-in-law to buy rice and beans for the family and then spent KES 600 on clothes since the ones I had were torn. The remaining KES 100 helped me to buy tobacco.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Getting this transfer will mean financial freedom. I have been suffering from ulcers. I lack proper beddings since my mattress is worn out. Evenings have found me shaking with cold since I have no warm clothes neither a charcoal jiko to heat my small room. Will spend 3000 KES (30 $) to buy a three by six mattress. The rest of the transfers shall spread between purchasing an improved charcoal jiko, my medications, and the provision of my basic needs including food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Taking one meal a day has made me long for lunch hours when I usually have something for my stomach.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Forty years have passed since my husband left my co-wife and me. Five years ago I lost my last-born son. In last year I lost my first-born son leaving me with two sons. Have been suffering from ulcers. Whenever I fall seek I have no money for my medication. My two sons are casual laborers and they have families to take care of. Aging a widow with the responsibilities of being the female head for myself and my deceased son's family is what has been my biggest hardship.
