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?
Sending unconditionally cash directly to our phones is what givedirectly did well. In addition every member of my household who qualified was enrolled into the program without discrimination. I don't see anything that it does not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 1000 of my transfer to purchase proper clothing for myself. This is because I had old and worn-out clothes which deprived my dignity. Currently, I have new and nice ones something that had increased my self-esteem. In addition, I bought sufficient food with the remaining amount since we are experiencing famine in our area at the moment.
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?
I was herding cattle when my sister-in-law who is also my seller called me to make me aware of the transfer arrival. The news was all over the village but I had not heard about it. I couldn't believe it until she brought me the money.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The transfer helped me to buy new cloth for Christmas after a very long time.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I contributed KES 1000 towards buying food for the family during Christmas and bought clothes using the remaining KES 200.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means changing my life for the better. This is because I intend to buy some goats that will act as my long term investment plan. I will ensure I buy 1 goat every month for a period of 7 months. This will give me the opportunity to own goats as my store of wealth that will support my daughter when she joins school. On the other hand, this money will also support me to buy food, clothes and new beddings to replace the old ones that are rugged.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Despite the many challenges I face in life, I am so grateful for having been healthy with my kid. This is something I can not take for granted, thus, this is what has brought about the feeling of happiness in my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial instability is the current challenge that I am facing in my life. As a single mother with a disability (hunchback), it is very hard for me to go outside home to look for jobs. This has forced me to remain at home and I depend on my mother who is doing charcoal work. Skipping meals has become our norm and sometimes we seek help form our sister in law, which is a very desperate life to me.
