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?
I have been sick and indisposed for some time and I am unable to do any job that would help me pay for my medical bills as well as buy enough food. My daughter who has been the breadwinner relies on menial jobs which pay little and are hard to find. When I received the transfers, my priority was to visit a hospital and get medication since I am suffering from a stroke. Thus a bigger portion went to my medical bill. I also ensured that I have enough food as I take my medication. I thus bought maize flour and now my daughter can save and concentrate on other needs.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Ever since GiveDirectly came to us, our lives have greatly improved as per their promise of eradicating poverty. The unconditional transfers have made it possible for us to fulfil our basic needs with ease. Even bringing food to the table was a challenge, our children could stay at home for weeks due to lack of fees. I am happy that this is no longer a challenge since the monthly transfers come in handy to help.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($10 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
A month ago, while grazing livestock in the field, I tripped down and fell into a ditch, and fractured my arm and leg. I now depend fully on my only son, who works as a casual laborer (building houses) in Mombasa. Before receiving the money, I incurred a lot of debts by buying food on credit because of a lack of money to buy food. I have lost peace of mind due to the many people that I owe. Because of the debts, I have become the laughingstock of the village. I feel bad when people despise and stare at me because of the debts which I cannot clear. Therefore, when I received my first transfer, I spent KES 1000 to pay off part of the debts I owed. I spent the remaining KES 200 to buy 1 packet of flour and 1 kg of beans to replenish the dwindling stock of food.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Paying off part of the debts I had is the biggest difference that has happened in my life since receiving the funds. I have restored my dignity amongst the village members. I can freely walk without people slagging me in secret.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was in my house taking a nap as I endured the extreme pain in both leg and hand. My phone rang out loud, and I stretched my hand across to get it. I read the message and realized that I had received my first transfer. Although I was in much pain, my heart melted with joy, knowing that the money was going to be very useful to me.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I was a small business person and I also reared livestock before I became ill. I exhausted all my livestock settling medical bills. I can no longer do any work as I am paralyzed. This has cut off all my income sources. I am currently relying on people of goodwill for my daily needs which worries me as everyone is soaked in these hard economic moments.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am pleased that my condition is improving. I can now afford to walk around my compound though with a lot of difficulties. This is something that gives me hope that one day I will be back to my good old days.
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Four years ago, I was paralyzed by stroke. Being a window, I am to relying on my daughter for my care as I am incapacitated. I have been on and off from the hospital to the point of exhausting all my resources. This money will be used for medical care. I am optimistic that my condition will improve when I get good medical attention.
