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?
I would like to commend Give Directly for helping the needy in society, especially during this drought period when it is difficult to rely on subsistence farming for livelihood. I am happy that I will accomplish my stalled project and accomplish other goals that I have. The organization should improve on the timely disbursement of the transfers. This will ensure that it does not inconvenience us.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
One year ago, my palm wine selling business was booming and, as a result, I earned handsomely from it. I saved a lot and started building a bigger four-bedroomed house that would accommodate my growing family (wife and 4 children). The house I am living in is very tiny and is almost crumbling. The savings were enough to build the house from the ground level up to the roofing level before my savings were exhausted. My business is currently not doing well. I harvest little palm wine compared to last year. This has resulted in lower-income, meaning no savings. When I received my transfer, I spent it all (KES 3000) on buying 3 pieces of iron sheets. This is a start in ensuring I buy the required number of iron sheets enough to complete building the entire roof. Once the roof is done, we will move into the new house, which is safe and spacious.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I had just come home from work when I received the funds. At the time, I was stuck with my building project. So, when I got the message, I was very happy. Without any second thoughts. I started making plans to buy more iron sheets to continue with the construction of my house. I now only need 6 iron sheets to complete the project.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My earnings as a wine brewer is KES150 daily. This only covers the meal budget and a small amount is left to pay a partial part of the children's school fee. So, I was stuck and I couldn't continue building my house. When I started receiving the funds, I can attest that I have made some progress in my life. In that I have continued with the construction .
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had started building my home but when I ran out of finances I was unable to finish. The previous house I lived in was a thatched house that only had one room where I lived with my family. The house I am building now is an iron sheet house. To complete the structure, I need 9iron sheets. My business as a wine Brewer doesn't earn me much, in a day, I only earn KES150. Therefore, when I got the KES1,200 from give directly. I took KES950 from the amount and topped it up with the KES2000 from my wife and I bought three iron sheets. She also added KES1,000 to Carter for the labor cost. I then reduced my children's school fee arrears using the amount that remained to KES350.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I live in a village whereby non local have to walk kilometers to find somewhere they can reside. My dream has been resolving this challenge by buildings rentals but financial instability has been stumbling block. With this money I will be able to buy materials in bits until I have enough to launch the project. I'm hoping this will generate enough income to pay school fees for my children who will then be pursuing their higher level education.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Life has not easy for the last couple of months since I lost one of my sources of income. We almost lost hope in life but being enrolled in to GiveDirectly program has restored our hope and now I can see light at the end of the tunnel even though I haven't received my first transfer.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Previously I used to be a substance maize farmer but since the onset prolonged drought I had to stop farming. Currently, I depend on selling local brew to provide for my family but the KSH 200 that I earn per day is not enough to buy food and pay fees for my children. This struggle has seen us survive on one meal a day or even go for a whole day without food .
