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 ($493 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?
Without the transfers, I would not have been able to construct a new house enough to comfortably accommodate all my household members. It would have also been so hard to raise enough school fees for my two sons who are soon joining their secondary schools. I am grateful that this aid was timely to the needs that were up in my household.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Visiting every household and interacting directly with the household members was the best approach used by GiveDirectly during enrollment. This allowed us to get a clear explanation of the unconditionality of the cash transfer and how best we can use it for our own good. This has never happened before as the aid we have ever received was never in monetary form but sometimes foodstuff, and medication from the ministries and well-wishers. I can't utter any complaint as I was fully in agreement with the approach just like any other village member was.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
On receiving the transfer, I was much grateful as I was getting my two sons ready to join their grade nine after passing so well in their final exams. I decided to save all the amount in readiness to equip them. So far I have managed to obtain new desired uniforms, pairs of shoes, and other stationeries. This would have been such a hard task for my family but we are thankful that we received this transfer when I really needed it the most.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($501 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received a message notification to my phone, I was curious to check it's content and to my surprise I had received my first transfers. I was so happy because I knew that my stress of raising school fees shall be over.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before, I was living a life full of stress because my child was set to sit for final exams and I was unable to clear school fees due to lack of finances. When I received my first transfers and spent it to clear school fees. I got peace in my heart and I would see my child smiling when we cleared the school fees. I believe that he will perform very well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My first transfers which I received from GiveDirectly, I spent KES 17000 on buying ironsheets in readiness to build a better house. I then spent another KES 15000 on paying school fees for my child who is sit for final exams soon. Another amount of KES 10000, I spent on food and clothings. The remaining amount of KES 10000, I invested in grocery business so that I would continue generating income.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money would mean a new house for my family. The house I am currently living in was donated to me by a sibling who left this village. This house is small, it cannot accommodate all my children. My elderly son has suffered a lot because he has to sleep in a house I borrowed for him 2 miles away.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening because this is the time I get to perform routine procedures of my business and it gives me joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I faced in my life has been to sustain the needs of my children while I am single with no job or regular income.
