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 ($380 USD)
access_time 9 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Over the upcoming year and beyond, my intention is to establish a retail shop to enhance my financial state. I aim to save whatever income we generate from our daily efforts, despite the challenges posed by having our children in school. Although it may be a challenging journey, I remain optimistic and rely on divine guidance for a way forward.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The assistance provided by GiveDirectly elevated our living standards by improving our financial situation. Moreover, it granted us the freedom to use the funds as we deemed appropriate. The informative sessions during the sensitization meetings were enlightening, offering guidance on safeguarding our finances. The field officers effectively addressed all questions raised, and I observed no areas that required correction.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Constructing a suitable dwelling for my family had long been a cherished aspiration. Regrettably, financial limitations prevented its realization, particularly with seven children to support through their schooling. I am married and my husband works as a driver, while I sustain our livelihood through charcoal vending. When we received our second payment, I chose to spend $200 towards refurbishing our dilapidated house, which had a leaky roof and one side exposed. Additionally, I invested $250 in purchasing a cow, leaving the remainder for essential food supplies. Despite the ongoing strain of school fees and other obligations, I am immensely grateful to now possess a decent home, a dream fulfilled thanks to the generous assistance of the organization.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($348 USD)
access_time 11 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
While doing household chores with my family – my son, five grandchildren, and my mother-in-law, I received a mobile money notification from GiveDirectly. Excitedly, I shared the news with my son and called my husband, who works away from home. It brought us immense joy, as this was an unprecedented event for us. My immediate priority was to buy doors and windows for our house, which previously lacked them, posing a significant security risk.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Now that my house is secure, our happiness has increased. Earlier, the lack of doors and windows confined me to home. But with these issues resolved, I am free to spend entire days seeking casual labor without the constant worry of potential break-ins.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After receiving the transfer, I allocated $450 to finalize my house's security by installing doors and windows, addressing the significant insecurity that hindered my ability to conduct business, and also completing one room that was incomplete and open. With a secure home, I can now confidently engage in my day-to-day business activities and provide for my family. I spent the remainder of the transfer to purchase food since our food supplies had depleted.
Enrolled
access_time 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
A renewed hope! Yes, in this grant, I am optimistic about changing the social status of my household. At the moment, our life is not conducive because the state of our house and the beddings are not worthy for us. I intend to ensure I spend the first transfer ($550) to ensure this is put to a better standard. I plan to repair my house by fixing a decent door and windows to enhance the security of my belongings. Also, I will smoothly finish the floor using cement because it is currently made of loose sand. In addition, I will buy 2 modern beds and mattresses since we currently spend our nights on the floor using rugged sacks and blankets. This will put us in a good state of livelihood, a life that I have admired for a long time. On the other hand, I will also use $300 of the second transfer to start a shop business at home, to have a dependable source of income. The remaining amount will cater to other basic needs like school fees for my grandchildren and also to buy food. What a great change to achieve this!
What is the happiest part of your day?
Although the theft problem in our village has taken away my freedom of being free to invest in livestock keeping, the recent case of stealing my cow has made me learn a lesson. I managed to prepare a decent place to keep the remaining 2 cows and their safety is granted at night. This has given me happiness and I hope the insecurity issue will be addressed soon. Hence, this is basically what has brought me joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The lack of freedom to do my desired project of livestock keeping is what I consider to be my biggest challenge. This is because our area is prone to livestock theft a situation that has hindered me from investing much in this favorable project. Very recently, my cow was stolen and this demoralized me a lot. As I speak, I am confused about how I will support my family if I don't have this livestock project which is depended on by most people. What a life of worry to live in this village!
