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?
During the beginning of the month my house collapsed due to being blown over by strong winds. It left me and my family, which included my younger kids homeless. I moved in with my oldest son for the mean time since I had nowhere else to sleep while my kids and wife moved on with my mother. Even before the house collapsed I had been saving money so that I could build a better house. When I received the funds I took KES 1,000 and bought iron sheets. This made the total amount of iron sheets pieces be the because I had bought nine pieces prior. Since drought was also rampant which made having a meal challenging, I decided to buy a bag of maize flour which contained a dozen packets for KES 1,800 and then I used the remaining KES 200 and bought sardines.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly staffs are well organized people who do not take advantage of it recipients. The organization therefore does well in sensitizing its recipients about is projects. In addition, GiveDirectly does well in sending money directly to its recipients thus enhancing confidentiality. So far I have not seen what GiveDirectly does not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
For the past two years, I had trusting in Godthat one day I would be able to build a descent house. My house has been in a patheticI condition since I have not been able raise money to renovate it. When I received my recent transfer, I spent it to buy three iron sheets since I am planning to build a new house. The current house is very old and almost collapsing hence I cannot store anything of good value in it.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was out taking my livestock out to graze in the forest. When I was just looking at my phone and saw that I had a message. I waited until the evening when I got back from the forest to ask my son David to go to the Mpesa shop and withdraw the money. I was so happy.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
For now, I cannot say that there is a big difference in my daily life but I know as we continue, things will get better. This is because as I continue to earn this money I can continue to save and buy galvanized iron sheets which will help in building my home.No change.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The first thing I did was to buy two chickens worth KES.400. I plan to rear the chickens and also sell them this will start my business. I was also able to buy food worth KES.800.The food includes buying water and vegetables. This year has been a tough year due to the drought. I am thankful for this program that has helped to feed my family.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Picture yourself having to repair your house every three months because termites have destroyed your roof, that is my story. I live in a grass-thatched house, where I have to repair it every three months just to make the house conducive to live in. I only want to see myself living in a properly roofed house, preferably with iron sheets. For the rest of the money, I will buy one or two cows and use them to till my land.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Happiness for every human being is having money and food to eat. When I get money to buy food is when I can be happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The past months have been the hardest, to get a plate of food has been difficult. I go for about two to three days without, days I do not sell any bag of flour are the saddest because my children have to come home from school tired and hungry only to be disappointed.
