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?
GiveDirectly is going well. Helping a widow like me with the cash transfers has been the best thing ever. I am now confident that I will educate my children.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent the transfer on food. I received the money a few days to Christmas and used it to buy enough food and a goat and celebrated with my children and grandchildren.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at a funeral at my neighbors. I had left my phone at home to charge and my son brought it to me during the proceeding. As I could not read, I told him to read it to me. He assured me that it was the Give directly money and I was so happy. After the burial, I was able to go and withdraw the money.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life is that I am now able to plan for my future. Just knowing that every month we shall have food and water whether or not we get what we earn is a blessing. I can also plan to start my own business which will add to the income we get. We shall have some financial freedom that we never had before. I am thankful to Give directly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
This money came when it had been a tough time. I have been doing off jobs here and there to put food on the table. I was able to buy food and water with this money. This is because we are facing a famine. We also have to pay transportation of water to our home for a total of KES.200. I had to buy food and water at KES.800. For the rest of the money that is KES.200, I was able to pay school fees for our children who had been sent home due to the school fees balance. This would not have been possible without Give directly and I am very grateful.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Living with my four children, I still feel the need of providing for them. I have been feeding them alright but not a balanced diet.
Because they all will also be receiving this money, I do not mind using my transfers on food. I do not have pressing financial issues, therefore, as they go about their own development projects, I will buy food and cook for them. This will give me so much fulfillment as a parent.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My children have come together and decided to put up a house for me. The house I've been living in is run down. My heart swells with pride because somehow, I feel like raising them to be kind was just. They looked back and gifted me, amidst their own responsibilities and struggles.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
With old age comes so many challenges. I have been having frequent episodes of flu and general body weakness. My health seems to be taking a nose dive and what worries me is, the doctors cannot seem to find anything wrong with me after running multie tests. I really cannot tell what's going on.
I am also very sad about my son who is epileptic. My prayer is someday he gets healed.
