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 ($468 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My goals were to go to college and get livelihood skills and buy a sewing machine. For now, my goal is to finish school and set up a tailoring shop and I'm hopeful that I will be successful in this industry.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Everything from enrollment to receiving the transfers was done so well as far as I'm concerned. I haven't seen an area that you need to improve.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I finished my primary school education back in 2016 and my desire was to go to college but my dreams were shut by poverty since my parents were not in a position to take me to school. I opted to get married and now with two kids but thirsty to get livelihood skills still called. When I was enrolled in the program, I saw a light at the end of the tunnel, my dreams looked achievable now, I knew my future will look brighter than it looked then. When I received my first transfer, I enrolled myself in a tailoring collage. I used my second transfer to buy sewing machine and I'm looking forward to open my tailoring shop once I am done with school.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($490 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 9 in the morning when I was doing laundry when my mobile phone started ringing so loudly. I was a bit curious becasue it has never happened before receiving a message at that particular time of the day. Therefore I decided to check who it could be. I couldnt believe what I saw, it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectlly I had finally received my first KES 55000 as promised earlier. I was overwhelmed with joy because I was so sure that my life would transform positively. I even decided to leave the task I was handling and started planning on how best I can use the cash
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that through financial support, I have been able to own goats. I opted for goats because they normally, reproduce twice a year and their offspring mature very first. Also, their pasture is readily available and they require very minimal supervision and I believe handling them won't be a hard task for me. Also currently they have started reproducing which is very encouraging and I believe that I will have many of them within a short period. My plan is once they increase in number, I will sell some and save the money for my children's education journey. Since they are currently in primary schools, once they transition to secondary and even colleges I wll be well prepared. My spouse has been the family breadwinner all along who solely depends on odd jobs and the income has never been enough fr the family upkeep. Therefore these goats have brought a huge relief to us not only for the children's education but also, catering for the family's needs in case an emergency arises I can sell one or two of them and sort out the matter.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buyng a water tank of 100ltres at KES 2000. It is now a relief to me because I can harvest and store the rainwater for my domestic use. I also bought two goats at KES 6000 as my living assets that I am currently keeping in my compound. I also paid a school fee of KES 7000 for my child who is in the neighboring primary school. In addition, I bought some beddings which include a wooden bed and mattress which are now to replace the od beddings. I also cleared a debt of KES 15000 from a friend and I am glad I am now at peace. With the remaining amount of money, I am using it to buy enough foodstuffs for children and new clothes
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money will help me venture into livestock farming; something that I have always admired. I will start with three cows and three goats. This will cost me around 45,000 Kenya Shillings for the cows and 9,000 Kenya Shillings for the goats. With livestock, my needs such as school fees and emergencies like medical expenses will be well sorted.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Waking up in the morning healthy and strong brings joy to me. I spend the morning hours doing house chores like cleaning utensils. I then go and fetch water and firewood. At the end of the morning hours my day is usually well planned and my house and compound clean.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial struggles is my biggest hardship. This is mainly when it comes to medical emergencies since they are unplanned for. I depend on my spouse who is a primary School teacher to provide for me and my two children. I have heart problem which has been a problem to me for almost one year now. I have not been able to seek proper medication due to lack of money. I also find myself struggling a lot when my children need medical attention.
