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.
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($475 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have lived all my life sleeping down on the ground on the floor of the house. I have always wanted to buy a good bed and a mattress to have a good place to sleep. I also want to build a good home for myself. The one I am currently having is in a poor state. It is leaking, and part of it is damaged and on the walls. It is dangerous for my family and me during the night.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am happy that GiveDirectly allows us to turn our lives around and live better lives. I am grateful that I was able to improve the quality of my life through the help of GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the money, I bought three beds and three mattresses for my family and me to sleep on. I also spent some amount in renovating my house, which was in deplorable condition. I am happy that the house is still in the renovation process, and I will soon have a better home than the previous one. I also spent some money on buying some goats and food for my family too.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($501 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 around 8 AM when I was about to take breakfast when I heard a message notification from my cellphone. I was so nervous because it was too early to receive a message besides I was not expecting to hear from anyone. Therefore I asked my grandchild to confirm who it was. He later realized that it was an Mpesa message from GivDirely, I felt so happy because I was positive all my financial problems have come to an end.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that the financial help enabled me to build a decent house. At my old age, I never imagined this could happen because my spouse passed on twenty years ago. I relied on my children for my daily needs such as food. From the time I received this help, I rarely ask for assistance from my children. They don't have stable jobs as well and giving them a break makes me feel less of a bother to them. I am proud of my past experience because it makes me appreciate the help I received today. Through the rough experience, I have learned a lot, It has shaped who I am and how I perceive life in general. But above all, the biggest lesson I learned is when I received assistance from Give Directly. God knows why we had to suffer all that while and finally receive help from people who barely know me. It gives me hope that even though the world is cruel, there is still humanity in mankind.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying iron sheets at KES 12600, building poles forty pieces at KES 4000, nails, timber, wooden door at a total of KES 4000 and labourer cost of KES 5000. I had intended to construct a new house becasue the current one was in critical condition and it had even collapsed and we had to seek shelter from friends. With the four family members, it was very stressful and embarrassing. Also, I am planning to buy few goats to serve as living assets that I can lean on in case of any emergency. In addition, I bought enough food for the family and, for now, it's a relief because we no longer skip meals like before
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means better health for me. Currently, my house is grass-thatched and I am getting rained on when it rains because half of the roof is open. This has affected me health-wise since I have suffered frequent colds, especially during the rainy season. I plan to spend a better portion of my first transfer ($400) to construct an iron-roofed house that will spare me from the night's cold. On the other hand, I will spend the remaining transfer to buy modern beddings and also to buy 7 goats to start livestock keeping for future use.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is generally the happiest part of the day because, at this time, I usually get ample time to relax from the day's strenuous activities. Unlike in the morning and afternoon hours when I am ever busy in the bush.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
At the age of 64 years, I am still forced to do charcoal burning to get money for my upkeep. This job has been so tiresome to me because of my age and I usually make utmost 3 sacks per month that I sell at $6 each. Considering this income, it's very minimal and it's hard to fully cater to my very basic needs like food, beddings, and nice shelter. Hence, financial instability has ever been the biggest hardship in my life.
