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.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
With my three daughters still in school, I've decided to make a change. Instead of continuing the tough work of unsustainable charcoal production, I'm planning to start a small grocery shop selling vegetables and fruits. This way, I can support my girls' education while also moving away from the laborious tasks of charcoal making. It feels like the right step forward, providing for my family in a more sustainable . By diversifying our income sources, we won't just rely on the goats for financial stability.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
What touched me the most about GiveDirectly's support was how it lifted the stress weight off me. I also appreciate their respectful and patient officers who educated me, ensuring I understood everything before enrollment. In addition, Receiving unconditional support that allowed me to plan based on my own needs was truly outstanding. I felt seen and valued. I hope GiveDirectly continues with this same method, as it not only provides financial aid but also empowers us to make decisions that best suit our families' circumstances.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Before I received the last transfer, life was a real struggle. I used to work tirelessly, making charcoal manually, which was not only tough but barely enough to support my ten children and my old husband. Earning just $10 from two bags of charcoal after weeks of hard labor, every day was a battle to make ends meet. But then, everything started to change when I got the transfer. I immediately thought about the future and decided to invest wisely. I bought four goats for $200, aiming to grow them into a larger herd that would eventually help pay for my children's school fees. To tackle our immediate needs, I spent $67 on food, ensuring we had enough maize and beans to last us, and I didn't forget some extra shopping. I also managed to pay $40 towards my daughter's school fees, knowing education is the key to changing the future. With a dream of building a house where my girls could have their own space to sleep and study saving them our current situation where we all have to sleep together in one room, I bought iron sheets worth $47.5 planning to buy the remaining materials and commence construction with my final transfer. Additionally, I saved $95.5 to address any arising unplanned needs. This support has restored my hope. I could see a brighter future for my family, moving from tough days of charcoal to planning for better days ahead with my growing herd of goats. Thank you GiveDirectly.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18010 KES ($111 USD)
access_time 3 months ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I can vividly recall that day's events. I was outside, busy with laundry, when suddenly, my eldest daughter came running out of the house, shouting "GiveDirectly!, GiveDirectly!". Startled, I stopped what I was doing and looked at her. She showed me the MPESA message confirming that the GD transfer had been sent. Upon confirmation, I was overwhelmed with emotion. Tears of joy welled up in my eyes as I thanked God for the provision through GD. We had been struggling to make ends meet, relying on the arduous task of charcoal burning to sustain our livelihood. Some days, we even went hungry if I couldn't find a buyer for a sack of charcoal, priced at a mere $6, which was barely enough to support our family of five. The sight of that money in my MPESA account was a profound relief, as it meant that my worries about providing food for my family had been alleviated. I am immensely grateful to GD for their support.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Receiving the transfer has significantly improved my life. I now experience a sense of peace, free from the constant worry of how to afford food for my family, as I have been able to purchase an ample supply. Moreover, I am grateful for the goats I acquired, as they hold the potential to secure my children's future. Through breeding and selling their offspring, I can generate the necessary funds to cover my children's school fees. This newfound stability brings me immense relief and optimism for the days ahead
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving the transfer, my immediate priority was purchasing a bag of maize for $40, as it serves as our staple food. Without it, the risk of hunger looms over us. Despite my efforts to farm the previous year, all my crops withered due to the insufficient rainfall. Consequently, I resorted to charcoal burning to provide for my family. On good weeks, I manage to sell a sack of charcoal for $6, but there are times when customers are scarce, leaving me with a heavy burden as I strive to support my three children. The thought of them going without a meal for even a day pains me deeply. Acquiring maize ensures that they do not go to bed hungry, providing a sense of relief. With the maize secured, I am now determined to allocate some funds towards purchasing vegetables and milk to complement our meals. Additionally, I invested $110 in acquiring two goats, adding to the six I already have. This decision is strategic, considering that goats thrive in our region's climatic conditions, offering the potential for rapid reproduction and growth. This investment holds promise for the future, particularly in supporting my two children's education. Currently enrolled in a public primary school, they will soon transition to secondary education, necessitating financial support for their fees. The remaining amount was used to procure food, ensuring our family's sustenance.
Enrolled
access_time 6 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
The drought has led to persistent food shortage. It's also quite expensive buying. We plan to spend about $100 on assorted food items such as maize, beans, cooking oil, salt amongst others. This will give us food security for at least a month.
Investing in goats is our main priority. They breed well and fetch good income consistently. It will also assist us in the future. We are also able to graze without employing someone since it's a simple task. One goat is sold at about $40. We'll buy 20 goats to rear. We trust it's a worthy investment that will give us an alternative source of income rather than depending on charcoal burning.
What is the happiest part of your day?
When we graze our goats and bring them back home in the evening, it makes us happy. It provides us with milk for tea. This is our primary source of joy. Goats do well here since they don't eat grass albeit shrubs and pod droppings from larger trees.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Our biggest challenge is hunger. We depend on charcoal burning for a living. The drought has been very long hence we make zero harvests from our farms. We've even given up on farming due to the consistent losses experienced over the years. This has made our ability to put food on the table hard. It affects even the chance of us helping our grandchildren. We're always worried of the next meal.
