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?
I want to renovate my house by removing the posts that have been destroyed by the termited and replace them with stronger ones to keep my house steady. I also want to ensure that my grandchildren who depend on me continue with school by paying their school fees.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am glad that Givedirectly saw where there's the biggest need for support, and I loved the fact that we were given aid in the form of cash so that each can meet their own individual needs.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $250 of my second transfer to purchase 6 goats for rearing. Before, I had only two goats after the rest were eaten by wild animals while others died because of draught. Since goats are the only ivestock that survive in this harsh weather, they are the source of our livelihood. I also bought two water tanks for $100 to help harvest the rain water and store it. I used the rest of the transfer to pay school fees for two of my grandchildren and buy food.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18010 KES ($134 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The day I received my transfer remains etched in my memory. I was unwinding at home when my phone rang. Being both elderly and illiterate, I waited for my son to return before checking the message. Upon his arrival, he shared the wonderful news that GiveDirectly had sent me some money. The prospect of realizing my dreams filled me with excitement and joy. We spent the better part of the day reveling at the moment and then started planning how to make the most of the transfer.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The transfer I received has brought about a remarkable transformation in my daily life, enabling me to achieve my goals within a short timeframe. I was able to purchase two plastic chairs, which was previously a difficult task due to my financial limitations. This is truly a dream come true, and the prospect of alleviating my children's medical bills and upkeep expenses brings me immense joy and satisfaction. I am sincerely grateful for the support that has elevated our standard of living.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
As an elderly person, I no longer have the energy to engage in manual labor and have to rely on my children for financial support. However, their contributions are not always sufficient as they also have their own responsibilities to tend to. I reside with my grandchild, and upon receiving my transfer, I decided to purchase two plastic chairs valued at $16 since I did not have any in the house. Additionally, I acquired a mattress worth $30 and spent $20 on medication. The remaining funds were set aside to cover our daily food expenses. All this was not possible before because our main focus was on foodstuffs. We are grateful for the timely support from the organization.
Enrolled
access_time 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I'm looking forward to the transfers and when I get them I plan to purchase food for myself and my grandchild. I plan to buy 1 bag of maize at $60 and half a bag of beans at $30. This will assist me greatly avoid hunger. I also plan to buy some goats and the remaining amount I plan to use them for my grandchildren's school fees.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiness has come from my well-being. Whenever I wake up in the morning and I'm alive and well I thank God and feel delighted. After my grandchild, Becky, completed her form four studies she came and stayed with me which made me very happy since I now have someone to stay with. I'm happy because she provides food and also cooks for which was a challenge before.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The challenge I'm faced with at the moment is my old age. Currently, I have difficulty walking which has made it tough for me to cater to myself and my grandchildren. I have to depend on my grandchild for everything. I feel that I'm becoming a burden to them since he has school-going children. I also lack food to eat and when my grandchild fails to provide I end up going hungry. Life is really tough for me.
