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 ($442 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
After spending all the transfers on the goals I had, I am still looking forward to making improvements, especially in furnishing the new house I constructed. Alongside the completion of the construction outlook, I also need a larger water tank to collect the rainwater from the roof during rainy seasons. I am glad that even though I have no money at the moment; I believe the running projects and the small savings I had been making will make the purchase possible.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly's approach to direct cash transfers to the individual accounts was the best since everyone could spend on the specific goals they had set with their families. The support brought quite great changes in various homes and am glad to say that my neighbors are grateful for the generous help. The project is unique since most of the people are used to the community projects or support directed to a group of people based on their special needs but has never been to everyone in the village.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 28000 after receiving the second transfer on buying cement, gravel, and sand that I used in the completion of the floors of my new house. After the construction of the walls and the roof, I could not wait for the completion of the floors but moved in as I awaited the second transfer. I had demolished the old house I was living in and it left my family of five with a single small kitchen that could not comfortably accommodate all of us. Completing the floors brought quite a relief and an opportunity to start focusing on other new projects. I also paid KES 10000 tuition fees for my two children in a private primary school and spent the remaining amount on foodstuff and other household goods.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($498 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was at 9 am when I heard my phone vibrating loudly, on checking my phone to see what the message was all about, I was so overjoyed to confirm that I had received the promised transfer from GiveDirectly, I immediately reach out to my wife and informed her of the good news that I had received, when I reached home that evening we all celebrated throughout the evening with endless touches of laughter. I am grateful to have received the support that brought so much joy and happiness to our lives.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I had started building a house, though, the project was left halfway due to inadequate funds, when I received my transfer I saw it as an opportunity for me to continue with the construction, therefore the biggest difference in my daily life is that I was able to put together the building materials together, In addition to that, I managed to clear the school fees arrears. I am hopeful that I will be able to complete the house once my second transfer is dispersed. I am grateful for the support that gave meaning to my life and brought so much joy to my home.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I live in an old house together with my wife and our children, I am a masonry in the village, though I have been unable to construct a decent house due to unreliable sources of income and also responsibilities like school fees. When I received my transfer I prioritized settling the fee arrears of KES 10,000, I then used KES 42,000 in buying building material, I plan to use my second transfer in a building. therefore I thought of putting together to ease work and the cost. I am so grateful for the support that brought a positive change in my life.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means better housing for me. I plan to finish up the house I started building two years ago that has stalled due to a lack of funds. The current house I have is old and uncomfortable for my children. The new house will be able to accommodate my children as well as act as a sitting room. This will cost me 30 dollars. For the rest of the amount, I plan to purchase dairy cows. I will sell the milk produced or I will sell the cow come next year and use the money to enroll my son in high school since he's in his final year as of now.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is in the evening. At this time most likely I have accomplished all my day's work, I rest assured of that day's food. My mind gets you relax. At this time also, my children are back from school, I get to interact with them, ask about their schoolwork and solve any arising issues. My days are usually packed with my home activities or construction works.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship is a lack of funds. I work as a construction worker earning at most 20 dollars a month. This work is not stable as not everyday that I get to find a construction job. This goes to school fees for my three children and other basic including like food. I'm the breadwinner meaning I'm the one to meet all my family's needs. This strains me a lot and has seen most of my plans stall including a house I started constructing two years ago.
