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?
Through the funds that we receive from GiveDirectly I have regained immense hope, because I happen to be a widow who was left with young kids who still need an education. After my husband passed away making ends meet was really hard and I was scared my children would eventually have to drop out of school because I could not afford it. But now I am happier than ever because I can support my family even with my husband gone.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving the money, after some few days I decided that I was going to buy a hen so that I could add to the chicken that I already had in my farm because I genuinely wanted to begin poultry farming on large scale and take them to the market for sell. The hen cost me KES 300. The other remaining part of my balance I decide I would cater for tuition fee since two of my children were literally on the verge of being kicked out of school because I had pending balances in the school fees. I gave them KES 600 to be split between the both of them equally. I was left with about KES 2,100 which I used in purchasing a bag of maize flour that contained a dozen packets and used an additional KES 400 to buy four kilograms of beans so that we would have a meal in the house. The remaining KES 300 I used it to acquire ten gallons of drinking water since we experienced a shortage back in the village.
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?
On that particular day, I was on the farm trying to find some food for my family from the remaining plants in the field that had not dried up. My phone vibrated in my pockets and I took it out and handed it to my caught who moved to the side to check she, later on, confirmed that I had indeed gotten the money. We kept it on the low so that we could plan ourselves without outside interference. I was so happy no words would express my joy.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life is that I know my future is safe. I know that I will be able to start a business that would bring me financial freedom. For now, I have no idea what business I would like to start but I am sure that I will look into it and start one where it can grow as I grow.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
This money was not a lot to do anything extravagant so I decided to buy food and water for my family. We have been experiencing a drought making food and even water expensive to buy. I decided to spend the whole amount of KES.1200 because I would love for them to have enough food on their plates so that they do not go to bed hungry. I was also to buy small things for the house which would give some comfortability and cleanliness. This would not have been possible without Give directly.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have always wanted to renovate my house because it is not in a good condition to live in. I plan to channel my first transfer towards renovating the house so that I can be free to spend the rest of the transfers on starting a business. The business I want to start is of selling African dera, which will cost me around 3000 KES, and spend 1000 KES of the remaining amount every month to keep the business running. Receiving this money means a good lifestyle when the business starts bringing consistent income.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My husband battled with sickness for one year until he finally died in August. The disease robbed me of my husband early and left me with 6 children to take care of. I am still mourning the death of my husband to date.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Getting food has been my main challenge. I used to farm for people to earn money but with the current drought, these jobs are no longer there. Without a consistent source of income, I am sometimes forced to sleep on an empty stomach. With the death of my husband, it is even worse because I have to take care of my 6 children alone.
