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 ($526 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 from how it would have been had I not received the transfer. First, I have been able to build a spacious house that can accommodate us comfortably. Besides this, my children sleep in their own house and they have enough time for revision in the evening as they no longer sleep in our neighbors house. Also, I have been able to buy a solar lamp for lighting purposes in my household. This has enabled my children do their homework and revise in the evening unlike before. Also, I no longer spend money on phone charging services.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly did well by employing professional staff and gave us the right training during baraza that we needed to know about the organization and I do not see what they did not do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent part of my second transfer to finish building a house for my family and to build a house for my children. I bought all the necessary materials and paid a mason the full cost of construction. Also, I spent some amount to pay school fees for my children. I used the remaining amount to buy decent clothes for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($531 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am now a happy person. This is because I have been able to start building a spacious house which can accommodate us comfortably. Also, we can be able to enjoy our privacy at any time when it comes to completion. I am also happy because my children were able to continue with their education and sat for their end year examinations. Had it not have been for GiveDirectly, this would not have been possible and they would have to repeat their current classes next year.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was a few minutes to 4 am when I received a message alert on my phone. Since I was awake, I decided to check its contents and know who would have sent me a message at that hour. Upon realizing that GiveDirectly had finally sent us the promised, I immediately prayed to thank God for the blessings. I knew that this money would enable my children to resume their studies.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
When I received my first transfers, I used some amount to buy some building materials to use in building a house for my family. I settled on this because the house we were living in was small and could not accommodate us comfortably. I am now glad since this has been solved because the construction of our house is in process. Also, I paid school fees for my children who had been sent back home. I used the remaining amount to buy a heifer for rearing. When it reproduces, I will be selling milk and use the money to pay school fees for my children.
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My first priority when I receive this money is building a house for my boys.They are now grownups and need a separate house.I will build them a one bed roomed house.My second plan is buying a dairy cow to add to the one I have.This will boost my income mainly through sale of milk. The remaining part of the transfers will help me pay school fees for my children.I have five children in secondary school.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I spend the morning hours in my farm where I have grown maize.I come back at noon to prepare lunch then do the house chores.At around 3pm I go back to the farm till 5pm.The happiest part of my day is in the evening when I am done with the day's activities.It usually my only time to relax.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Being a widow has been a big hardship for me since I solely fend for my children.The biggest challenge I have faced is lack of money for school fees for my children.I have seven children,five of which are in secondary school.Sometimes there are forced to delay their studies up to one term due to lack of school fees.With Give Directly bringing help to us,I now have hope that my children will complete their secondary school studies.
