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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53010 KES ($363 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My new goal is to invest in livestock, particularly goats. I've decided on goats over cows because they're hardy creatures, capable of surviving longer without water, and they don't demand much in terms of upkeep. Plus, goats have a consistent demand in the market due to their affordability, making them a reliable source of income whenever it's needed. With this investment, I'm not just securing my future; I'm ensuring my family's well-being.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Getting help from GiveDirectly has been a true blessing. Life has been tough, and my kids used to go to bed hungry, which broke my heart. But ever since I got that money, things have changed. My children don't cry from hunger anymore, and that's the best feeling in the world. The money has made our lives better, and I can't thank GiveDirectly enough for their kindness.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I remember the day I received that cash from GiveDirectly; it felt like a blessing from the heavens. My heart swelled with gratitude as I thought of the ways it could change our lives. The first thing I did was pay $140 for my dear grandchild's school fees. She'd been sent home because we couldn't afford it, and education is everything. Now, with a smile as bright as the morning sun, she's back in school, eager to learn.
The next thing I did was renovate our little home. I cemented the floor so it wouldn't get muddy and cold during the rainy season. It's amazing how such a simple thing can make life so much more pleasant. But the cherry on top was buying a comfortable bed and a soft mattress. Oh, the bliss of a good night's sleep! Now, I wake up feeling rested and ready to face the day. And of course, I stocked up on food to ensure that my family never went to bed hungry. Thanks to GiveDirectly, our lives are a little brighter, warmer, and more comfortable.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($444 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
While resting under a shade at home at around 4 pm, my helper who is also my son approached me with good news. He had heard neighbors talking about receiving their transfers from GiveDirectly. Therefore, he took my phone to confirm whether I had also received mine. I was surprised after the confirmation that I had received the money in the past 4 hours. I felt very happy and thankful for the help. Being a widow has been the most challenging thing to go about since I solely depend on charcoal burning.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The vivid differences that I can attest to before and after receiving the transfer are the availability of food at home and the peace of mind I got after managing to pay the shopkeeper's bill of $100. Initially, we could go for up to two days a week without food some that we no longer experience since receiving the transfer. Again, the shopkeeper's bill was stressing me up after it increased and I had no way out of settling it. Currently, I am relieved after GiveDirectly enabled me to settle the bill.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Before withdrawing, I had already set my mind on what to prioritize on and that was to construct a good spacious house since the one I had was small. When I withdrew the money, I bought 22 pieces of iron sheets for $194, roofing timbers for $36, and building poles for $50. I also paid a debt of $100 to a shopkeeper who was giving me foodstuff on credit terms. Thereafter, I opted to save the remaining amount for the family's upkeep.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
My son who is the breadwinner of the family works as a casual laborer. He earns $100 per month and this is not always. This money caters for food and school fees for the grandchild who is at Vitengeni primary. He pays a school fee of $150 per year and he now has a balance of $70. My son and the child lives in a one-room house with a grass roof. The roof leaks during rain season. As for me I have a one room build by the son so that I could live well and not be affected by wind and rain. He lacks the capacity to build one due to the much responsibilities he has and also his lack of finance. I will use $700 to build a two-room house for my son and let him struggle with looking for food for the family. I will also use $70 to clear the balance of the fee for my grandson .I am happy for the program because it will elevate poverty at my household.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I live with my son and a grandchild and we all depend on the son. He works as a casual laborer with an income of $100 per month. This money caters for food and school fees for the grandchild. Last week the county government of Kilifi brought relief food in the village and my household got 10kg of maize flour. This will last for three weeks. I am happy because I can now take three meals per day unlike before.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have been living a life full of happiness till four years ago when I developed hypertension problems. The problem made me lose consciousness and fall on a burning fire and had bad burnings on my right knee. Since then up to now, I can not walk for long distances alone. Hypertension is also still a challenge to me thus I cannot work anymore. I depend on my son for survival.
