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.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I appreciate Give Directly for the financial assistance they presented to me. I believe that the cash aid relieves a significant burden on the kiosk's capital. I no longer use money set aside for stock to meet household expenses. Nonetheless, I would recommend the organization to consider making lump-sum payments rather than monthly transfers. I feel that some of our needs, such as house building projects, could be met more quickly as a result of this.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My primary source of income is a kiosk business that I run. I usually budget the small profits generated to cover all of my family's needs, such as food and education. As a result, the financial strain placed on the shop is so great that it is difficult to expand and grow. The transfer came as a welcome relief from this kind of stress. I sent KES 2,000 as pocket money to my child in nursing college because he had run short of cash. In addition, I saved the remaining KES 1,000 through a self-help group in my community. I plan to withdraw my savings come year-end to purchase 50 pieces of iron sheets for my house. The current roof has become worn out and damaged over time, causing it to leak during the rainy season.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($26 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Upon confirming the receipt of my transfer, I felt so good. At that moment, I was in my shop and attending to my customers. When I saw the message, I closed my eyes and prayed first because I knew my help had come. Surprisingly, GD transfer is unique and it will have memorable moments in my life. This was the first time I was receiving such kind of support. Thanks to GiveDirectly for this kind of financial assistance.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life is having some cash that I can use for my medication. I have been suffering from ulcers since 2015. It has been an on and off experience. This has cost me a lot of my money. However, I know that with the transfer for the next few years, I shall be able to manage the condition with less financial burden.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
For about seven years, I have been having a medical condition that has been costly to manage. Therefore when I received my transfer, I considered saving it as I will be waiting for the second transfer. Thereafter I shall seek proper medication in order to manage the ulcer condition that I have been suffering from. Although I have a mini shop, it has been generating low income thus I have not been able to go for frequent check ups.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
The last year took with it all my livestock. We were hit by a drought that did not leave anything alive. my love for farming was crushed but I hope to bounce back. As a fallback plan, I used the last of my pension money to start a retail shop. I do not have much stock, therefore, I intend to pump all the money I get into it. This business will help me to pay school fees for two of my children who are in secondary school and probably send the other two who are at home to Colleges. I am excited at the prospect of my business getting a boost.
What is the happiest part of your day?
When all my livestock died, I was in panic and could not think straight. I used to sell them in intervals so that I could cater to my family's needs. One day as I was at rest under a tree, deep in thought, It dawned on me, why don't I take a risk and use my saving to start a small business?
Whenever we need to buy commodities, the nearest shop is a little under three kilometers away. I decided to open a retail shop with the KES 50,000 I had. I must say that it was worth it. The returns are not bad. All that's on my mind right now is how best I can grow my business and yield even higher returns.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
When I was young, my father made an effort to get us through school. As a farmer, I would say that he made great sacrifices to educate us. In the same way, I would like to see my children go to universities but financial constraints are too much. I have been in and out of county offices in the hope to obtain bursaries for them in vain. I am a little frustrated but I will not give up. I believe that God will make a way and my dream of having graduates in my house will come to pass.
