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 ($529 USD)
access_time almost 6 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 than it would have been if I never received transfers from GiveDirectly in that, I spent part of the transfers on cementing my house. I had begun building that house before GiveDirectly came to our area but had not completed it due to inadequate funds. I also bought a solar panel which is the main source of lighting and my sons no longer struggle to get light for their studies. I also charge my phones in the house freely unlike before when I had to pay a fee for charging my phone.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well in improving the living standards of the people by giving them money without imposing any condition on how to spend it. Previously, many people were living in hardship but with the assistance from GiveDirectly, they managed to buy what they did not have before. What GiveDirectly does not do well is enrolling people only once in the program, with no possibility to add them any money.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent a portion of my second transfer on paying fees for my son who is now in form four as well as clearing arrears for another one who finished his secondary school last year. I am now sure that my son who completed his secondary education will be able to pick his certificate and maybe succeed to secure an admission in a tertiary college. I spent the rest of my transfer in buying sand for cementing my house which I had built before GiveDirectly started working in our area. The house is now looking nice and appealing. I spent the last bit of the transfer to buy a sack of maize and a sack of millet and now I eat well thus I am less stressed than I was before I received the transfers.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($544 USD)
access_time 6 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my life now is that my house which was almost falling down and it could cause me sleepless nights is now is a stable condition. The shame and laughter I used to have in the village are no more because of the money I received from Give Directly. I do not beg anymore.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I felt good because I knew my house which has been my worry for long since it was almost falling down and getting weak so I knew I was going to plaster it and live in peace.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my transfer on buying sand and cement which I used in plastering my house and the rest I used in paying school fees for my daughter who is sitting for her final exams andher brother too.
Enrolled
access_time 6 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means that I am going to have relief on school fees that has been hard to raise for my two children who are in form three and form four respectively. Should I remain with any cash after paying fees, I shall ensure I build a kitchen since most of the time I endure harsh weather while cooking outside the house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is usually during the day when I mingle with people and engage them since any time that I spend alone brings a lot of thoughts and worries about life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in life has been payment of school fees since as a widow I have to both feed my children and educate them without any formal employment.
