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.
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3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($294 USD)
access_time 11 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In my elderly years, I find solace in simplicity, as my daily activities are limited. My primary aspiration revolves around preserving good health and dedicating my attention to the well-being of the three goats under my care. There's a heartfelt desire to witness their growth and reproduction. I want to ensure they have an abundant supply of nourishing feed and are in the best possible health to foster their reproduction, which can translate into a future source of income through the sale of their offspring.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has made a significant positive impact by providing support through unconditional cash transfers. I am particularly pleased with the fairness of the enrollment process, appreciating that it did not discriminate based on age. I was fortunate enough to be selected as a recipient, and the financial assistance has proven invaluable. Since receiving the transfer, I have experienced a notable improvement in my well-being. The ability to purchase food has been a game-changer, especially considering my previous struggles to afford even a single meal per day. Relying on the support of only two children, who themselves face financial challenges, made my situation quite difficult. This contributed to a boost in my overall energy level, as I feel healthier and stronger. I am genuinely grateful for the positive impact this support has had on my life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
As a widow living alone, my life has been shaped by the challenges that come with old age, as I cannot perform any menial job, hence depending on my two grown children for support. However, I have also felt the weight of this reliance, considering their own financial constraints due to the demands of their families. The struggle has been real, and life has posed its difficulties. Upon receiving the third transfer, I allocated $180 towards food purchases as it is essential for my sustenance, ensuring that it will last me for a significant duration. This has brought a sense of assurance, alleviating the burden on my children and providing a measure of self-reliance. Additionally, I invested $170 in acquiring three goats. This decision is fueled by high hopes, as I anticipate their multiplication to become a valuable source of income through future sales, reducing dependence on external support.
I also utilized $40 to purchase a 500-liter water storage tank to ease the stress of fetching water from a distant source, as I will be harvesting the water during the rainy season and storing it. Lastly, I have set aside the remaining amount as emergency money. This contingency fund serves as a safety net, providing peace of mind and a sense of control over unforeseen circumstances.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($322 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have endured a protracted period of poverty. I can no longer perform laborious tasks like fetching water or performing some menial occupations because of my advanced age. As a result, I intend to invest in livestock farming, particularly the raising of goats. This is a fantastic investment since not only will the number grow quickly, but I will also receive milk that I can count on when I don't have any money for food. In addition, I will occasionally sell them to raise money for food purchases, primarily maize flour.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Alleviating someone from poverty is the greatest gift you can ever give to someone. GiveDirectly has been at the forefront of achieving this by sending unconditional cash transfers to people in different places. For now, I do not see anything that they did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have always relied on my children to provide food because I am too old to perform any menial tasks. Due to a shortage of funds, I usually have to eat only one meal. I prioritized buying food and enhancing my means of subsistence with the money. As a result, I spent about $13 on food and $19 to expand a room in my former home that was smaller. Due to this, I currently eat well, enjoy my own privacy, and live in a spacious home that can house a large number of people. I also bought various home furnishings that I didn't already have, like a charcoal burner, a table, utensils, and a stand to keep utensils on.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18010 KES ($134 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I had suffered a lot due to hunger. With my age I can hardly do any odd casual jobs like I used to do before. I also have two grandchildren whom I take care of and getting this money was such a huge relief to me. When I received the money from GiveDirectly I felt so happy. It is my helper and my child Mary who came and confirmed to me that indeed we had received a sum amounting to $200 from GiveDirectly. I normally get support from my children who are still in a position to do casual work and farming as well. This was not just a relief to me but to them too.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I started receiving these transfers is the fact that I am now happier than I have ever been before. I had serious problems of hunger where I would have to go stay with one of my children so that at least I could get enough food. This used to disturb me a lot and I would fall sick over and over. Receiving this money changer everything and I got healed almost immediately. I gained independence and even more gained hope to keep pushing with a hope of a better tomorrow.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my most recent transfer I used part of it-$50 to buy new clothes for my grandchildren who normally stay with me and help me with house chores and company. I felt that they had a right to feel happy too because of this blessing that we received as a family. I then used another $50 to buy my own clothes. I then used the remaining amount to buy food and other basic household needs that lasted me a couple of days before it got depleted. Getting enough money to buy all these things at a go was just a dream for me for all those days. GiveDirectly brought smiles to my entire family and I cannot thank them enough. I intend to use the second transfer to buy a water tank that will help me have access to clean drinking water and safe me from the danger of drinking dirty water and the shortages that we normally undergo especially during periods like these of long dry spells.
Enrolled
access_time almost 2 years ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Receiving this money will bring a major paradigm shift to my life. This money could not have come at a better time than this, I intend to use the first tranche of the transfer to buy foodstuff. Food insecurity is so biting, we hardly have food to eat and mostly we survive on just a meal a day, or other times we go to bed hungry. I will use the second transfer to expand my house which is small to accommodate me and my grandchildren, this will cost approximately $200, and use the rest of the money to purchase a water tank to harvest water when it rains since I cannot travel long distances to search for water because of my health situation.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My goat recently gave birth and I was so elated. My life depends on goats, it is a source of livelihood for me. When they grow enough I sell them and use the proceeds to purchase foodstuffs. I do not have any other economic activity to engage in, recently I sold the goat and used the money to go for medication and buy shoes. whenever a goat gives birth it gives me hope for tomorrow.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have seen it all, life has been hard for me. I am old and my health is failing me. I have lower back pain that has persisted over time. I hardly bend to pick anything from the floor. This has made my life hard even doing household chores is a problem, and even fetching water is hard since the water point is far. I depend on my grandchildren to fetch my water when they are around. I had gone to seek medication at Kapkuikui health center but there was no improvement and so I went to Molok health center where I got relief though the pain has recurred. I want to go for medication again but I have no money for traveling and doctor's consultation.I pray that I will be healed one day and resume my normal life like before.