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 ($512 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I used to have four cows two years ago. Unfortunately, I was forced to sell the cows to raise money to pay school fees arrears for my children. This is because I do not have an income which I can depend on to meet my demands and even pay school fees arrears for my children. My only option was to sell the cows. I was frustrated with life and I was overwhelmed. When I used the transfers to clear fees arrears for my children and had some amount to spare, I decided to buy two cows. I thank GD for restoring my pride in the village through the cows.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GD did well in having sympathy for the poor like us. In my life, I did not know I would ever handle such amount of money since I did not have a good income and my children have not gotten to the point when they would get the same amount of money. GD did not care about our background and chose to give everyone the same amount of money. This was exceptional, unlike even our politicians who give money on preference. So far so good, there is nothing I feel GD is not doing well. They should continue with the same work.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent my transfer on paying school fees arrears for my children in secondary school and university. They had been sent home for the arrears and I did not have the money to pay if not for the transfers. I was feeling ashamed because my children were at home while others were studying. I have always struggled to raise money for paying and that is why they had been sent home for the arrears. With GD transfers, I was able to clear the balance they had in school and since then, they have not been sent home again for fees arrears.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($539 USD)
access_time 6 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is happiness since I no longer buy milk daily like before since i now own a cow.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was overwhelmed with happiness the moment I received my money.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my first transfer to buy two cows and used the remaining amount to buy maize and rice.
Enrolled
access_time 6 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
We used to own cows but due to lack of School fees, we sold almost all of them in order to meet School expenses. Therefore, I am planning to buy other cows to help sustain my family since I have only one cow remaining.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning since seeing a new day makes me jovial and happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My intention was to pursue my education until university level, get employed and live a decent life but due to lack of School fees, I did not manage to go beyond secondary education. That has been the biggest hardship I have faced in life.
