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 ($467 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
check
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
For almost a year now, my husband has been struggling with a kidney problem. I thank God for the transfer that received I was able to seek advanced treatment. At the moment, My new goal is to take him for a further check-up, he requires to undergo an operation as instructed by the doctor.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well for enrolling me into the program and the fact that they sent cash directly to our phones. In addition, it sent unconstitutional and nonrefundable cash to the poor household which was the best thing they did.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my second transfer to purchase 5 goats and one ox which costs KES 27,000 in total. The ox was to assist me in ploughing my farm which will improve my small-scale farming, where I grow maize mainly for my household consumption. This will result in high food production hence increasing food security for my family. I also spent KES 9,000 to educate my children by paying part of their fee arrears. Lastly, I spend KES 10,000 to take my husband to the hospital he has kidney problems that require him to undergo dialysis.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($495 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was on my way back home from fetching water at the water pan which is a 5 hours walk from my home. This is because we are experiencing drought in our area. I received a message notification on my phone on the way home, I was with my neighbours who received their transfer too. I had to wait until when I reached home for my helper to check my phone. Upon reaching home, my helper confirmed the message and informed me that I had received the transfer. I was extremely happy and relieved of the stress after receiving my transfer that would change my life for the better. Nowadays don't have to go a long distance to fetch the water for my family.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am living a comfortable life after purchasing a bicycle with my transfer. Currently, I am able to get water for my family and no longer have to walk a long distance to get water. This has relieved me from the pains I underwent of carrying water with on my head for a long distance. In addition, we can get food every day since I have enough water for family use.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 15,000 to purchase a bicycle this was to assist me in looking for water for my family consumption. At the moment, my elder son rides it to the water pan to fetch water after school, something that has relieved my body pain of carrying water on my head. Previously, I had to carry 20 liters of water on my back or sometimes my kids hire a bicycle from my neighbors. In some instances, we had to sleep hungry because of lack of water for cooking foods. I also purchased 25 iron sheets, timber, and building poles for KES 33,000 this was for the construction of a decent shelter for the family. The house that we had earlier was small, grassy thatched, and leaks during the rainy season. In addition, I used part of the remaining amount to pay school fees for my 2 children. With the part of the amount, I bought enough food for the family.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means improved living stand to my household. I am living in a one-roomed house which is small and does not give privacy. I am planning to spend Kshs.30,000 to build a two-roomed house so that my two children may have a separate room. I will also use Kshs.40,000 to buy to indigenous cows and a plough that I will use to cultivate my farm as well as hire to earn a living.The remaining amount will help me to cater for beddings and food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening. This is because I share meals with my children and chart before we go to sleep. Unlike in the morning and afternoon hours when I am alone at home because they are away at school.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have ever faced in my life is food insecurity. I am a housewife and my husband depends on a charcoal burning business which earns him very little which is not enough to cater to all family needs. Due to this, I have been struggling to get food for my children. Sometimes, we sleep without taking meals. Something that makes me sad.