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 ($467 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?
Right from the first transfer that I received, I have been having some ongoing construction of both a new kitchen and the main house. I am glad that the kitchen is complete and still left to furnish the floors of the main house. This has barred me from starting anything new since I would love to see it complete first before diverting any resources I have to any other project.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am grateful to GiveDirectly for all that has transpired in my life and also in the lives of other households around. The operations by GiveDidrecly were unique and gave each household a chance to spend their money in meeting their desires. It also gave everyone a chance to come to the same level since no one was given more than the other. In my opinion, there is nothing to complain about at all, but hoping that GiveDirectly would still do more in other villages and even come back to us in the future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
During enrollment stages into the GiveDirectly program, I was living with my family of four in an old house that had been eaten up by termites on the walls and thatch by termites. We had no hope of constructing a new one but kept repairing the same house time and again. The receipt of the transfer gave us a chance to demolish the old structures and moved out of the swampy foundation to a raised ground where we have constructed two houses. A kitchen got done with the first transfer and the whole of the second transfer enhanced the construction of a bigger house after buying 32 iron sheets at KES 30400. I also sourced other construction materials that included timber, frames, nails, and also paid the casual labor that exhausted the transfer leaving the floors unfurnished. I am grateful for the generous support from GiveDirectly that has improved the conditions of our living and I am hoping that I will soon make it better when the floors get cemented.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($495 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 the transfer I felt so happy. I remember it was around 9 am. When I heard a message tone from my phone. When I checked it out I couldn't believe my eyes. There was a message confirming that I have received money from GiveDirectly. I immediately inform my family members and they were so happy too. I knew I would be able to build a better house for my family. I am so happy for the support.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have build a better and spacious house in a new place where there is no water. We used to live in a place where during the rainy season water could enter into the house. This was so demoralizing and stressful. I had always wished to do this but I didn't had the money. I depend on casual jobs in the village and the amount of money that I get through this is so small and I was not able to save. When I received the transfer I felt so happy and I knew that my wish will be fulfilled. Currently I no longer get worried nor stress up. When it rains I feel good and have peace of mind. Before I was do worried because water could enter into the house and prevent the movement and even make cooking so hard. GiveDirectly has enabled me to relocate and have a new houses. I'm so happy and grateful.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent the money I received from GiveDirectly to demolish the houses that I had build before and rebuild it in a better place. The land that I had build it was a water catchment area. This means whenever there was rain, water could come into the house. I was able to build and I am so happy. I no longer experience the same. The rest of the money I bought food and clothes.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Growing up,I have always been interested in fashion and design.This made me undertake a tailoring course at a local polytechnic.Unfortunately due to lack of school fees I dropped out and did not finish two modules.I am planning to go back to school for module 2 and 3.This will help me improve my skills and reopen up a better business.Getting this money will mean a lot to me and my family as we will use the first transfer to pay for my polytechnic school-fees of KES 10,000 and purchase a new sewing machine at KES 30,000.The last transfer will spend in buying 2 dairy cows at KES 25,000 from which I will have a reliable source of income when it starts producing 7litres of milk which I can sell at the local shopping center at KES 30 per litre.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Being a stay at home mum, my daily routine involves looking after my children and performing household chores.I wake up in the morning to prepare my two children to go to school and for the rest of the day I am at home.After a long boring day, I always long to see my children coming home from school.This makes evening the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced is lack of enough money to meet my family basic needs such as food,clothing and school fees for my children.A year ago, I closed down my small tailoring shop because I was expectant with my daughter who is now 10 months old.I opted to close it down and focus on raising up my children first.Since then, my husband who is a mason has been the sole breadwinner in our family and this has been difficult.He earns an average of KES 300 per day which is hardly enough to sustain all our needs.
