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 ($517 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?
The biggest difference which happened to me when I got these transfers is the huge burden of school fees which I managed to offset after I got the transfers. The little income which I would make through dairy farming was enough to pay school fees for my four children in high school and college. After I paid all the school fees required, I got the peace which I never had before I paid it.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Since I was born and grew up n this village, I have never seen an organization like Give Directly which comes to grassroot and supporting us. I have nothing which I can say that this organization did.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I do depend on dairy farming as a sole source of income. Being a single parent it had been a struggle to meet my household expenditure. The second transfers which I received, I spent a large portion to buy one dairy cow to add to those which I had. This helped me to have more milk which I sell and earn more income. I have been able to pah school fees for my children with less struggle. The remaining portion of the money which I got, I spent on improving our house and buying food for the family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($542 USD)
access_time almost 6 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
Since I received my transfers, my daily life has really changed since I no longer engage in so many activities on a daily basis like before since I now have an alternative source of income. My alternative source of income is from the sale of milk I get from the cow I bought and use the money I get in the purchase of other things I need.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was in the morning when I received a message confirming that I had received some money from GiveDirectly. At that moment, I became so happy and I thanked God for the blessings upon my family. This transfers made me know that very soon, I would fulfil my hearts desires.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
Buying milk has been a daily routine for me which has been expensive but I had no otherwise and so when I received my transfer I spared some amount which I used in buying a dairy cow for milk production. I am glad that I will no longer buy milk hence will be using the money to take care of other needs. I also used part of my transfer to purchase five bags of maize for the family's consumption which will last us for some period of time and is also quite cheaper. Since my two children who are in different tertiary institutions live on rented houses, I spent the remaining amount in paying their house rent so that when the school opens, I will only worry on how to get their fees alone.
Enrolled
access_time almost 6 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am almost through with educating my children.I currently have two children in college;one doing diploma and another doing undergraduate.This means that in a few months I will be free from the school fees burden.This is the moment that I have been longing for.This is because I feel that its time now to look after myself since old age is slowly creeping in.The first thing I want to do the transfer is to cement my house which is a mud floor.Mantaining a mud floor at my age is very tiresome and it slowly becoming hard for me.The remaining transfer will also help me expand my poultry unit.I have had a few chicken but due to the school fees burden I have not been able to rear a large number.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I wake up everyday to see that my farming activities are on the right path.I first ensure that my cows and goats have been fed.I then go to my farm where I grow wheat and maize.This is where I spend most of the time of the day.In the evening I mostly go for bible study.This is the happiest part of my day.I get to meet with my fellow women and grow each other spiritually.The word of God makes me stronger that I can even face any challenges I come across.Spreading the word and getting people to know God makes me feel very happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
It all began in 1992 when my husband fell sick.This was a big turn around since this made him loose his job which was the main source of income to our family.The disease was brought about by hypertension and was worsened by stress because he had lost his job.School fees now became a heavy load since I had four children in school.In 1998 two children completed primary school but missed the opportunity to join secondary school due to lack of school fees.This was very saddening especially because they had passed with very good marks.We started feeling the effect also trickling down to other basic needs such as food and clothing.He was in and out of hospital since 1992 upto 2013 when he passed on.For over twenty years we went through a life of sadness and struggling.When he left us the same continued with lonliness adding salt to the injury.It has been 5 years being a single mother and it is never easy.This has been the biggest hardship I have faced in my life.
