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 ($421 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My goal is to add more livestock if I get some money. This is because I desire to invest in livestock specifically goats. After all, they are safe to look after and can be converted to monetary value if the need arises. This is why I bought some in the first transfer and I aim to buy more.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly helps us realize our dreams by providing support. The vast majority of us in the community have been able to advance in life, and we are no longer where we were a few months ago. Through its employees, the organization conducted itself in an ethical and professional manner.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I chose to build a new, nice house after receiving the second transfer because the one I had was about to collapse. I trusted my son to buy the building supplies and to supervise the construction because I was illiterate and elderly. I have no idea how much money I spent on the house, but I am pleased to see that he followed my instructions. Since the drought season had lasted longer than expected and we had hardly any food, I also bought some food.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($455 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
While relaxing at my home in the afternoon, I received a message on my phone. Since I do not know how to read, I informed my grandson who confirmed that I had received the promised money from GiveDirectly. I was filled with happiness for receiving such a huge amount of money at once, and for the first time. Getting such a sum of money at my age was not even in my dreams or wishes.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before receiving the transfer, we used to struggle as a family to make ends meet. This forced me to Start making charcoals as well as fetching firewood for sale. As of now, we are grateful for the support that we got from GiveDirectly because are now getting food and other basic needs than before. I have also taken a rest from the charcoal and firewood business. This is because of GiveDirectly who came to our rescue.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I withdrew the money, the first step was to pay school fees for my grandson who was out of school for fees. I also bought two cows. Thereafter, I started building a how which stuck due to the inadequacy of funds. for the remaining amount, I opted to buy some food to sustain my family. Having settled those, I saved the remaining amount for the family's upkeep. I am feeling happy about getting a new house, even though it is incomplete, I am confident when I received the second transfer.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means food security. In several seasons have been harvesting lower yields due to a limited workforce. At my age, I cannot plow more than one acre alone. By getting the transfers I will be able to get enough produce through the provision of laborers to the farm. This will be a relief to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Celebrating Christmas with my family was something that brought me joy last month. We stay far from each other due to work, but seeing them on vacation gave me happiness.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My husband died forty years ago after suffering from Myalgia(muscle ache and pain) and left me with four children. In all that time I have been struggling to feed my kids through burning charcoal and subsistence farming. Two years ago I was diagnosed with an eye complication that persisted until now which has rendered me from doing my normal work to earn a living. This saddens me because of the grandchild that I live with needs to be taken care of.
