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.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My ultimate goal in life is to own rental houses that will provide us with a steady income in the future. To achieve this dream, I have been buying goats using my previous transfers, and I plan to purchase more with a portion of my future transfers. I hope these goats will multiply, increasing both in number and value over time, which will help me buy a piece of land. Once I have that land, I will gradually purchase building materials using the proceeds from selling our goats, eventually fulfilling my long-held dream of building rental houses. However, with the current drought and hunger, I intend to continue using a portion of my transfers to buy food for my family until we receive enough rain and have sufficient food. Once our food needs are met, I will redirect those transfers toward my ultimate goal of establishing rental houses. I am truly grateful for this support, as it empowers me to care for my family while working toward a brighter future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The transfers from GiveDirectly arrived at a critical moment when my daughter was very ill and needed to go to the hospital for treatment. I used $20 of my recent transfers to ensure she received the necessary medication. I am so relieved to say that my daughter is now doing well. Recently, we experienced strong winds that blew away a section of my house's roof. I spent another $30 on roofing materials to repair the damage and restore my home, making it comfortable and safe for us to sleep in. Additionally, I invested $24 to buy a goat, adding to what I already have, with the hope that they will multiply and provide me with an invaluable resource in the future, especially when this program comes to an end. Finally, I used the remaining $28 to buy food for my family, ensuring that we would not go hungry. I am truly grateful for this support, as it enables me to care for my family and navigate these challenges with hope and determination.
21st Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($27 USD)
access_time 4 months ago
attach_money
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
For this coming year and beyond, I intend to continue using my transfers to buy more goats, hoping that they will multiply and increase in number and value. My wife is doing the same too. This will enable us to sell them in the future and pool our proceeds together. Combined with my wife's resources, we will be able to purchase a plot of land and build a rental house, which will provide us with a steady income, reducing our struggles with basic needs in our family. I am optimistic that this plan will come to fruition.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am committed to making sure that once the GiveDirectly program comes to an end, I will have a secure financial source, and to achieve this, I have been investing in a livestock farming venture using my previous transfers. To continue this journey, I recently spent $60 of my recent transfers to purchase two additional goats. I am hopeful that these goats will multiply and increase in number and value, which will allow me to sell them in the future and support my children's education and family needs. In addition to my livestock investments, I spent $18 to buy food for my family because our food storage was depleted, and I wanted to ensure that my family did not go hungry. Additionally, my son was unwell and had to spend $4 to take him to the hospital so that he could get the medical attention that was required for him to get better. I am relieved to say that he is now doing well and has even returned to school. Finally, I used the remaining $20 of my transfers to buy building materials to repair my house, which was on the verge of collapsing. This investment will provide my family with a safe and secure living space. I am grateful for the support provided by GiveDirectly, as it has enabled me to address the pressing needs of my family and take steps towards a more secure future.
18th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($27 USD)
access_time 8 months ago
attach_money
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I would wish that by the time the cash transfers end, I will have established a source of income that can help me sustain myself and my family. Therefore, whenever I receive the transfer and there’s food in the house, I plan to channel the transfers toward buying livestock, especially goats and chickens. When they multiply, I can easily sell them to provide for the needs of my five children, such as school fees or food.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Recently, my child fell sick with a severe fever that required urgent medical attention. Therefore, I used $10 to take her to the hospital. I am glad she recovered well thanks to the perfect timing of the transfers. Besides that, I purchased three iron sheets for $15 to repair the roof of my house. A part of the roof had corroded and developed holes over time, so I needed to replace the iron sheets. I am happy that it was sealed, and the recent rains have not found a way inside my house. Moreover, I bought two ducks for $10 to rear and three goats for $54. Rearing livestock is imperative to me because it can help me secure quick money and improve my ability to provide school fees for my five children. I used the remaining funds to buy food and ensure that my family never went to bed hungry. To be honest, ever since I started receiving the transfers, I rarely make charcoal. Taking a break from this practice gives me so much relief because it can be physically demanding and tiresome.
14th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($23 USD)
access_time 12 months ago
attach_money
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
After my next transfer, I plan to invest my money in purchasing livestock as it's the most reliable way for me to build wealth and achieve financial stability. As the livestock multiply, the herd will grow, presenting an opportunity for me to sell some animals and generate income. I am truly grateful for the financial boost, as it will bring me closer to realizing my dream of financial stability.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Over the past two months, my son and I have confronted a serious illness, leading us to seek medical attention at the hospital. Both of us suffered from severe coughing, fever, and stomach discomfort, resulting in multiple visits to the hospital and a total expenditure of $21 for medical bills. I am delighted to report that our health has significantly improved. Additionally, I made an investment in purchasing two goats for $55, with the intention of selling them at a profit in the future. During the period when I was unwell and unable to work, I allocated $26 towards purchasing food, including leafy vegetables and fruits to boost our immunity. I am grateful for the assistance during this challenging time, and I appreciate the financial support from the transfers, which has greatly improved our quality of life
10th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($24 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
attach_money
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Moving forward, my primary goal is to embark on a livestock rearing and selling business. The abundant rainfall we have recently experienced promises an ample supply of food for my family in the coming months. Consequently, I plan to invest a significant portion of my subsequent transfers in acquiring as many goats as possible. By doing so, I aim to build a valuable asset for the future. If the need arises for extra funds, I can easily sell some of the goats to support myself financially. This venture holds the potential to provide both sustenance and a potential source of income for my family and me.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
During this rainy season, I have taken up farming to ensure an adequate food supply for my family. Before the rains arrived, I used to make a living by selling building poles, each priced at $0.1. However, due to the severe effects of the drought, obtaining these poles became incredibly challenging, resulting in insufficient earnings. Thankfully, my sons, who work as casual laborers, lent a hand by contributing to the purchase of food. When the rain finally came, it brought us great relief. To secure our food situation, I bought five packets of maize flour, amounting to $10. This purchase was especially crucial as we had gone hungry the day before the money arrived. The money brought us much-needed joy and hope. I used $10 to pay the school fees for my three children, who attend Makwala Primary School. I am proud that they continue their education, and it brings me happiness to see them learning. I bought two hens for $4, knowing that they will breed and multiply over time. Once they grow, I plan to sell them at a higher price in the market. The profits from this endeavor will assist me in meeting our essential needs and improving our well-being. With careful planning, I set aside the remaining $10 to put toward purchasing a goat when I receive my next transfer later this month. Owning a goat will undoubtedly be beneficial, as it can provide us with milk and potential income through breeding or selling.
6th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($26 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
attach_money
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My house is in a bad condition and I would love to build a new one. It's very dangerous for someone to sleep in the house because it's leaning on one side. The house will be made of clay bricks and iron sheet roofs. The yearly repair costs that I have incurred while repairing the mud walled house will be reduced thanks to this house. In addition to building a house, i would like to buy more livestock to increase the herd that I currently have.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My wife and I earn a living as casual laborers selling charcoal in the village. Last month was tough for me as my health deteriorated. I was unable to go to work and had to depend on my wife to provide for the needs of the family. Selling charcoal and has very little profit, which is not enough to cater to all the needs of the family. Therefore, when I received my money from the transfer,r I spent $10 to pay hospital bills and buy medication that would help improve my health condition. Furthermore, I spent $10 on paying school fee arrears for my two children in primary school who had spent an entire week at home without going to school. I invested $4 on buying iron which is regarded as a future investment considering is going to multiply and increase my initial investment. finally, I spent the remaining $10 on buying food for my family. Having spent a month without working my wife bore the huge burden of taking care of the family. Buying food was enough assurance that my family will not go hungry and would also lessen the huge burden on my wife who was struggling to put meals on the table and also buy medicine and pay for medication so that my health condition would improve.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($28 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
attach_money
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I agree with the overall concept of the money transfers we get from GiveDirectly. This is smart thinking on the part of the program's developers because it gives us the freedom to choose how to spend the money. I have no complaints about the organization's current performance. My role is to encourage them to keep up the same demeanor.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am very appreciative of the transfers that GiveDirectly sent me in the midst of the month. I had severe financial difficulties and was unable to support my family. Since I'm unemployed, I must rely on manual odd jobs like selling charcoal, sawing and selling building poles, and helping out on other people's farms. This job only lasts two days at most, after which I'm back on the road looking for another one. I only make between $2 and $3 a day working these jobs. Given that I have two primary school children and must purchase food for my family, this sum is incredibly low. I was able to buy my family's food for $19 thanks to the transfer. We had to live on one meal a day because of the dire circumstances we were in. It was much better for my family to have two courses of food every day thanks to the food I purchased than to only eat one meal. I also bought a goat with the $15 I still had left over. In light of the current uncertainties, I view this as a future investment. I can sell the goat in case of an emergency and use the proceeds to deal with the situation.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($25 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I earn a living as a casual laborer selling charcoal, cutting building poles and working on the farm. I earn very little which is not enough to cater to all the needs.when I received my transfers I bought two hens. It have a long time dream owning poultry in large scale which will also double up as an alternative source of income.In addittion, I bought three packets of maize flour as food for my family. The food was essential in ensuring that my family did not starve of hunger. Finally, I bought a goat with the remaining $20. This is proper investment for the future once the goat multiplies in number. I will sell some and use the money to cater to my immediate needs.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference the transfer has fine in my life is enabling me to own livestock which I didnt have before. It has been a long time dream of mine to own livestock but could not because i did not have money.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My heart was filled with joy after i realised i had received my transfer. I was at home sleeping inside my house when I received a text message. I was schocked beyond words and for a minute I stood transfixed on the ground without moving an inch of a muscle. I jumped up and down in ecstacy to celebrate the moment.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
At the age of 78 years now, doing strenuous work to provide for my family of 7 is a big challenge for me. This means depending on my son who is also a casual laborer and I find myself being a burden to him. With these transfers, I am so sure that I will have financial independence which means having the ability to provide food by myself. On the other hand, I will also be able to support my 2 children who are still schooling. This will earn me respect as a responsible father and hence, this is generally what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Despite living in poverty, I am so proud of my son who is a casual laborer. His love for me is remarkable because he has been so consistent in providing food, especially over the last 6 months. This has given me hope in life and I consider this as what has brought me joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Nothing pains more than losing 2 children the same year through suicide. This affected me psychologically and I am currently surviving with pressure due to the sudden deaths of my sons. The much stress is because I had spent a lot of money on their education, considering that, one was in his last month of college life. I am now living in poverty because I don't have money to cater to my family's basic needs something that hurts me a lot.