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.
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($498 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
check
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Had I not received the transfer I would not have bought the sewing machine. It was the best decision ever because I am already income from it.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion giving cash to individuals without any conditions is the best decision Give Directly made. It empowered people and most people have improved their living standards. On the other hand, I have not seen any areas that Give Directly should improve on.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I bought a sewing machine with part of the second transfer. I had just completed my training and I am glad Give Directly came at the right time. I have already started earning income by sewing people's clothes. I am glad I am now independent.
Aportion of the money I spent on building materials that I am planning to use to construct a bigger house.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($502 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received the transfer message on my phone early in the morning. I was curious to know who could have sent the message and on checking the contents, I realised I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. I felt happy and thanked them for this support.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Owning the cow is the biggest difference in my daily life. I did not have any livestock and having this dairy cow is an asset to me. I am expecting it to reproduce and increase in number. I will be gettting milk for my family's consumption and sell the surplus to earn an income. I can also sell the offsprings to raise money for my children's school fees in the near future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 35000 of my first transfer on buying a dairy cow. This is an asset to me and my expectation is that it will reproduce and increase in number. I can readily sell the offsprings to raise fees for my young children. Besides, I will also be getting milk for my family's consumption as well selling the surplus for an income. I spent the remaining amount on buying foodstuffs and buying new clothes for myself and my children.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I did a course in tailoring but I have not been able to put my skills into practice since I do not have a sewing machine. With this money,I will buy a sewing machine at a cost of 120 USD. This will serve as a good source of income for me. I will also buy two dairy cows at a cost of 300 USD. The cows will provide me with milk for consumption as well as for sale.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is the evening. This is usually my time to relax after a busy day in the farm. Farm work is very tiresome. It is physical,and working in the scorching sun drains me a lot.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My dream of studying to college level was shattered by lack of school fees. I was raised from a humble background in a family of 9 children. I studied only for 8 years in primary school. I got married this year(2020) one year after completing primary school. I believe that if I had continued with my studies I would have been better placed in few years to come. I could easily secure employment. I am now a mother of one, who is struggling financial because I do not have enough knowledge and skills that can secure me employment.
