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 salute Give Directly for seeing the suffering in my village and entrusting us with cash to transform our lives. The general purpose of eliminating poverty is what the organization does well. Earlier, I never imagined that starvation would end in my household, but now it is, courtesy of the transfers. To date, I am thoroughly pleased by the processes adopted by Give Directly and cannot figure out any faults.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I heavily depend on my son, who works in town, to provide for the family’s needs. He lacks a defined income source, which makes him survive from one casual job to the next for earnings. Due to the struggling nature of his hustle, he only affords to send money once in three days. Sometimes, the cash is insufficient to provide food to take the household to the next payday. As a result, I am prompted to beg neighbors for help, promising to repay later. Therefore, when I received the transfer, I prioritized purchasing maize flour and sugar worth KES 2,000. I was happy to finally refund three packets of flour to my neighbors. Also, I contributed some food to my late nephew’s burial ceremony. I saved KES 1,000 which I plan to acquire cement, to renovate my mud house that is almost crumbling.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($10 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
On receiving the MPESA text, I was very happy as it caught me by surprise. I was just from sleeping and did not expect to receive such good news at the time. My daughter read the message for me and we all shared in the joy. I withdrew the funds later the same day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The major impact from receiving the funds is that I was able to help my co-wife buy food supplements for the household and we now cannot sleep hungry as there is adequate amounts.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Life has been quite tough due to lack of finances and that of a stable job. I am married to one husband who lost his sight and is also unable to work. We are two wives in the homestead and my co-wife is basically the breadwinner as I also cannot work due to lacking one hand that was cut off. Having six children, the KES 1200 received from GiveDirectly was used to purchase food items in the house since food got finished the previous day. This came as a welcome relief to my family and I.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My family of 6 members lives in my elder son's house after my house was demolished by heavy rains two years ago. The son stays in Mombasa with his family. We have been enduring this situation with my old husband who is blind and can not walk. The situation gets out of hand especially when it rains because the roof leaks and the house current state is unsafe for anyone to sleep inside. Therefore receiving this money would mean I renovate this house and also build a one bedroom house for my 6 children. I will spend 35000 KES on buying materials and building costs. Through this I will have a peace of mind because everyone one will be in a safe place to sleep comfortably.
What is the happiest part of your day?
During the new year celebration my children bought a goat for the family to celebrate together. It was more of come together party because all of my children came home. This brought us so much happiness in my family despite the challenges we are experiencing.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am living with my old husband who is bed ridden because he is blind and has difficulties in walking. I have to bear the burden of providing for the family through my charcoal burning occupation which is not reliable as I earn just peanuts. Therefore my family lack basic needs such as food, shelter, medical care for the sick husband and school fees for my children in school.
