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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($521 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different that it would have been if I never receive the transfer in that I have built a kitchen. Before, I was living in a single roomed house with that a kitchen, a living room, and a place to sleep in.Therefore, I decided to build a kitchen with this money hence I have a place to cook and my children to sleep in which as enhanced privacy in a bigger way.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did so well, their enrollment process led to great improvements in my life and those of my neighbors in terms of socializing. I don't see what GiveDircetly didn't do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I a larger portion of my second transfer to start a grocery business at a nearby stall in my village. Today, I am able to support my spouse to provide some of the basic needs like food with the profits from the business unlike before when I was just a housewife. I constructed a kitchen since I didn't have . I also bought a mattress , a bed and food with the remaining amount .
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($530 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
Having my own retail shop has made my life to be so different. As a businesswoman, I have been longing to own it for a long period of time but I could not afford to construct one. I have been selling the products from door to door which was so tiresome and expensive as well because I used to hire someone to help me. Secondly, during winter seasons I was not able to move from place to place to sell them, during these seasons it was a loss to me. And it was really affecting me in so many ways because some of my family's baic needs I couldn't meet them. It is now a relief to me because I am hopeful and ambitious since I have my own permanent retail shop whereby I will be selling anything in any given period.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 3:30 when I saw a message notification from my mobile phone. When I checked its content, I realized it was from GiveDirectly, they had sent my firs transfer as promised in the enrolment. I felt so happy since it was my first time receiving such a huge amount of money, I was so sure accomplishing my dreams.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some building poles, some pieces of iron sheets, bricks. This was purposely for the construction of a retail shop. Previously I used to walk door by door to sell my products. It is now a relief to me because I no longer move from place to place. I then bought some four goats I am hoping very soon they will reproduce and I will achieve a lot from them. I am planning when they multiply, I will sell the offsprings in the local markets. The profit I will be getting will help me to meet y daily needs with ease.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My husband and I have been planning to put up a kiosk business for quite some time now, but financial constraint has been our greatest hindrance. We have already purchased iron sheets, and therefore we will use a small portion of our transfers to finish up on its construction and setting up the business. A huge amount will go towards the purchase of business stock preferably household commodities. The remaining part will go towards investment in livestock rearing. This is a venture that does very well in our region and once all those are up and running, am certain our wellbeing as a family will greatly improve, and that is what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Morning is the happiest part of my day because it is at this moment when I feel most energized and in good spirit. I also enjoy preparing my children for school and thereafter, embarking on household chores. It is this positive morning energy that enables me to run my day's errands smoothly and effectively.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of a reliable source of income has been the biggest hardship in my life. My husband works as a palm wine extractor and being a contractual basis, it is not something that can depend on. Therefore it has been a real hustle on his side to meet the needs of the family. This has resulted in poor nutrition for our children and inconsistent school attendance which of cause has impacted negatively on their overall performance at school. Once we receive this transfer, we will ensure that our children will never again lack basic necessities.
