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.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent 2,000 KES and 3,000 KES from the recent transfers to buy building poles and iron sheets for the construction of another main structure in place of the old one which is almost tumbling down. Also, lack of food is common in the household where we starve for at least three days in a month. Therefore, I acquired foodstuffs worth 3,000 KES to ensure the family never goes a day without meals. I used the remaining amount, 1,000 KES to buy two hens to reproduce and generate funds during financial emergencies.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well in terms of recipient education about their programs. Currently, many myths are surrounding non-governmental organizations within our village. This is due to the perception the villagers have because of previous encounters with such organizations. By giving us proper education during the Barraza it has helped to dispel those myths and fears.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The main challenge I am currently facing is the lack of a job to support my family fully. I am currently depending on manual jobs. These jobs pay very little. I have several kids who are in primary and two who are in secondary school. They all depend on me in terms of paying their school fees. When I received the money I spent KSH 1500 to pay for my three kids who are in primary school. I also spent KSH 1000 to buy 2 chicks. I plan to sell them during this festive season and use the money to buy more and continue with the cycle until they are very many. I will then use the profit to attend to my needs. The remaining amount was used to buy food for my family members. The tough economic conditions have at times led us to sleep hungry.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The day I received the first transfer I was seated at home. That morning we did not have any money for food for my family for breakfast. I had been worried about how I was going to feed them. Luckily the message came in when it did. When I confirmed that it was the cash transfer I was so happy and relieved.
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 have a source of income that is dependable. I can budget for my family's daily needs and ensure that they have enough and well-balanced meals. This was not possible before due to insufficient. I am grateful that I get to participate in this program.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
This being my first transfer of money I decided with my husband that I should focus on food. I went to the market and bought all the foodstuff worth KES.900 that would last us a few weeks. The other KES.300 I gave my husband who had also received his transfer so that we could pay school fees for our five children with his share. This income may not be much but if I put it together with my husband we will be able to provide and shelter our family with no strain. Thanks to these funds my relationship with my family has become closer and happier.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am leaving in a mud-walled, grass thatched house. I am rained on when heavy rainfall falls. With my 4 young children, it has been difficult to live with them under same roof due to the limited space. My children have felt obliged to build small mud-walled houses for themselves to give my husband and I some privacy. It is not something that I am proud of because I am loosing control of my sons behavior guide during their teenage. With the transfers, I will be able to build a mud-walled, iron sheet roofed house that is spacious for myself and my children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am not joyous with the state of my living, especially my house. My desire is to built myself a dissent house. This will be my happiest time.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Imagine being blessed with a family of 7, no formal source of income to sustain them and no spacious and dissent house to accommodate them! I have been a laughing stock in the village for long, because the house I had was once brought down by heavy rainfall. Since then, I have never made a comeback. The fact that I cannot even live with my young children under the same roof hurts me to the core.
