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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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Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Christine's Profile
Christine's family
Christine
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Tailoring
faceAge:
33
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($517 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
All the savings we had was spent on my husband illness after being admitted at Makadara hospital and the bill was at 2000000 KES. I was supported my relatives and friend after conducting a fundraiser but their was a few bills let. I didn't not know who I would manage all this medical bills because at the same time four of my children were sent out of school due to school fees arrears . I felt like the world was rolling back to me since with little income I earn from casual jobs could make the situation any better. Today seeing my children go to school after settling part of the arrears and my husband being discharged from hospital although I do take him for check up is my life's difference that had it not bee for GiveDirectly I could have lost if at a personal level Thanks GiveDirectly.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well by not factoring government officials like the village elders, chiefs at its work but rather work independently which curbed conflict of interest and corruption which could have arose. Therefore, all the beneficiaries selected from the project were genuinely poor.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent a larger part of my second transfer discharge my husband in hospital who was admitted at Makarada hospital for a period of one and half month. I am happy after he got discharge because I am no longer worried of the bills that ought to have pilled up if he would have been their to date because of lack of money to settle them. I bought a dairy cow 18000 KES, a mattress 6000 KES and food for my family's consumption.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($533 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
My life is totally different because I now have goats. I had to buy goats because it is the only business I was sure will succeed. I found out goats reproduce twice a year and to add on that they require little attention to keep compared to other animals. Their food is also locally and can survive in any climatic condition. I am planning to sell their young ones in our in my local market and buy a dairy cow. I will then start selling milk since no one is doing that business at the moment. I believe my life will never be the same again since I will be able to cater to my family basic needs without any difficulties.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I remember very well it was around 3:45 am when I heard the notification message from my mobile phone. When I checked its content, I found out it was from Give directly informing me they had sent my first transfer to my account as they had promised. I was overwhelmed at the moment because I was so sure all my dreams will be accomplished. I am still grateful to date for this kind gesture.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent KES 7000 of my first transfer to buy a metal door for my house. The area I am staying in is not very secure and I thought the metal door would help scare away thieves from coming to my home. I then bought a bed and a mattress at 12000 for my children. They used to sleep on a mat which was not comfortable. I later bought four goats. I believe the goats will help me in future since they multiply faster and have high market demand. I then cleared some hospital bills for my dad who was admitted to the hospital at that time. I then paid school fees for my children and bought food with the remaining amount of money.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a safer house for me and my family. I plan to replace my wooden door with a metal one thus preventing thieves or strangers from getting in. I will also erect pillars for my current house and ensure it remains strong even during rainy seasons. Finally, I will invest in indigenous livestock such as cows and goats as security for future needs such as education for my children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My favourite part of the day is in the evening after completing all my house chores such as cooking and cleaning because I can now relax and get plenty of uninterrupted rest.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My husband works as a casual labourer at a textile factory in Mombasa but the earnings he gets are not enough to meet all our needs such as food, school fees etc. Water scarcity and low rainfall in the area has rendered as more hopeless as food prices have now risen and we also have to pay more to access water for drinking and other household needs.