By helping the needy in the society GiveDirectly does well. My husband left me a long time ago and I have hard to struggle alone to educate my children. When my daughter died too it was very disheartening for me and I felt awful. She was the only daughter who was helped me by catering for my needs. Through GiveDirectly I have new hope for life as I can use the funds to uplift my life once again

I spent KSH 1000 from the transfer to buy stones to build my house well. My house is currently in a terrible state and is almost coming down. I did not complete building the pillars of the house on time due to lack of funds. The strong winds have destroyed the house to a point of making it fall over. I made and sold Makuti for sale and saved the money I got in Chamas and could gain some loans that helped me build the house. The business has since been bad and I do not make enough sales to feed myself and build the house. I also spent KSH 500 to pay school for my grandchild. Her deceased left me in charge to take care of him. To prevent him from being sent home, I paid the money to keep him in school. With the remaining amount of KSH 1500, I bought 6 packets of 2kg maize flour, 1kg of beans, 2kg of sugar and bread. I arrived at the decision to buy food in bulk because I earn little from the sale of the Makutis and this will be good to give me plenty of room to save money to purchase food. In addition, I bought some water for my use because I cannot go fetch water. I have a medical conditions that restrict me from doing manual jobs.

When I received the money I was seated outside my house. I was engulfed in thoughts of where I was going to get money to buy food. My grandchildren had not gone to school on that day because they were too weak to go to school due to hunger. While thinking I decided to go ahead and buy some little foodstuffs on credit so that I could cook for my grandchildren. When I was about to head to the shop I got the text message. Upon checking it out I confirmed that I had received the transfer. I quickly walked to the Mpesa shop withdrew the money and bought food using the money. I was very happy and was out of words at that particular time.

Yes, the money has made a major difference in my life. I am was able to buy food for my grandchildren. I was going through a tough time and the money helped me overcome the serious challenges. I am happy that I now have some food left to take us for a few days ahead. 

I am a widow and I live with my 2 grandchildren. They depend on me for my survival. My child and his wife who are the parents of my grandchildren passed on some years back. Ever since their death, I have assumed the role of a parent to them. I have to make sure they eat well and their school fees are paid so that they can continue with their education. I do not have a permanent job and depend mostly on manual jobs. The little I get I use to buy food and save some to pay school fees for my grandchildren. Recently everything has been tough for me and before receiving the transfer, I did sleep hungry together with my grandchildren. When I received the transfer I spent it all on buying food since there was none left for us to eat. I bought some six packets of maize flour, 2 Kg of sugar, tea leaves, and the rest of the money was used in purchasing water for my use at home.