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
55000 KES ($406 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
With my passion for design, I am very eager and happy to get back to what I enjoy doing best, which is making clothes and doing anything else related to that. So my goal now and in the future is to fully concentrate on tailoring, which entails making new garments and repairing clothes, particularly for children who are in school. Although I do not yet have an actual business shop, I will begin by taking orders at home, and the good part is that we now have enough space for the time being.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Give Directly performed an outstanding job by providing unconditional cash, which was a brilliant idea because it allows all of us to meet our own needs to the best of our abilities.
It's also excellent since no one has to know about your difficulties and troubles unless you want them to, which means you don't have to avoid dealing with different situations in your household because you get to do it yourself.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My family of seven lived in a very small house that had become too old and unsafe to live in; the roof had worn out, and we could no longer withstand the terrible weather conditions.
So, with my second transfer, I resolved to construct a new home for us that was ample, safe, and secure.
After finishing the house and purchasing all of the necessary furnishings and utensils, I had approximately $20 left over, which I used to fix my old sewing machine so that I can resume tailoring and clothing production for business.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($443 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The receipt of my transfer from GiveDirectly was the best thing that ever happened to me. I remember being at home, busy with housework when I heard my phone ring. When I looked into what the message meant, I discovered that I had received money from GiveDirectly. I was overcome with joy because I knew I would soon be able to achieve my objectives.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life today is that I was able to construct a decent house for my family, which was previously difficult due to financial constraints. My family is overjoyed that we now have a new home. The financial support from GiveDrectly has improved our lives, and I will be eternally grateful.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My main priority when I got my transfer was to build a decent house for my family. This is because the house I was living in was in bad shape due to ants eating the roof posts. It was risky to stay in that house, but we didn't have the funds to renovate it. My husband painter and I am a tailor; we have two children. When we received our transfers, we used the entire amount to build a decent house. I am grateful that this was completed in such a short time. It really is a dream come true.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
What a blessing for me to be enrolled in this program! This is a dream come true because I have always wished to get this kind of grant to offset my biggest challenge of lacking a reliable job. I, therefore, intend to spend a better portion of my transfer ($500) to start dressmaking work, a job in which I have skills. This amount will cater to the cost of building a small kiosk, buying some starting materials, and a sewing machine. Doing this job will provide me with enough money to solve my family's very basic needs. On the other hand, I will also reinforce my house using some stones and cement, which I estimate to cost me $300. The remaining amount will help me to buy 4 goats to act as my long-term investment project. Thus, this is what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In August, I visited my parents whom I had missed for 1 year. The visit provided me the opportunity to bond with my family and I was welcomed well. They prepared different delicacies including roasted meat which I enjoyed most. In addition, they offered me 2 chickens to start poultry keeping back at home which I am now expecting them to multiply soon. What a parental love!
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of job! Currently, I am idle at home and I majorly depend on my husband who is a painter in Mombasa. His daily income is usually utmost $8, an income that hardly sustains our needs. This has compelled us to survive on one meal, a situation that has affected our health. In addition, I have felt so shameful remaining idle despite having skills in dressmaking.
