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 ($462 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
As of now, I cannot define a specific goal that I have set to accomplish once I get some money. What I usually do is planing for whatever is within my reach. Concerning that, I will plan on what to do once I get the money.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly is a faultless organization that cares about the well-being of human beings. I appreciate the organization because it came to me at a time when I needed help the most. I had been chased away from the home where I was married while my husband was away. I had nothing completely but when I received the first transfer it enabled my husband and me to buy a plot and constructed a home. We are now living happily because of the transfers we received from GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the money, I decided to buy ten iron sheets for KES 8000.00 to complete the roof of my house that I constructed using the first transfer. I also used KES 9000.00 in paying school fees for my three children who are in primary school so that they can be retained in school for better learning rather than being sent home for fees like the way they were used to. Thereafter, bought three goats for KES 10500.00, these goats act as a symbol that GiveDirectly was once here. Waking up in the morning and taking them to the field is a daily reminder of the existence of GiveDirectly. For the remaining amount, I opted to keep it for the family upkeep since it was a drought season.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($491 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Before taking a rest at home from making charcoals in the field, I went straight to taking some water to cool my body. While taking the water, my phone received a message and upon checking, my body gained strength since the information was strong. GiveDirectly had sent me KES 55000.00 something I hadn’t dream of. I jumped up and down in happiness knowing that my life was opening a new chapter.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Currently I am living a relaxed life. Initially, I used to run up and down on daily basis to make ends meet. No clear source of income to cater for my family needs but as of now things are going on well through the GiveDirectly transfer I received.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My desire was to rear livestock at some point in my life. On receiving the first transfer, I bought 4 goats for KES 12000.00. I decided to buy the goats since our area is too dry to accommodate cows. I also bought 2 mattresses for KES 8700.00 because I used to sleep on sacks and boxes. Since my children are growing, I opted to construct an additional room to my house to accommodate them well. I bought 10 pieces of iron sheets and 3 ridges for KES 10250.00, thereafter, I paid school fees for my 2 primary school children who were required KES 6000.00 for the whole year.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means starting a food kiosk business. This has been my desire for many years but due to financial constraints the dream has never come to pass.I am planning to spend KES 30,000 as a starting capital which will include the structure and items such as utensils and furniture.This will provide me with income to feed my family of five members. In a day I can make a profit of KES 300.This is enough for our daily expenditure on food which is KES 200.I will also use a portion of the remaining transfers to build an extra room for my children as well as buy two beds and two mattresses.
The balance will help me cater for education and other basic necessities such as clothing.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning.When I wake I feel refreshed and energized because I start my work with motivation.Unlike in the afternoon hours when I spend the whole day busy doing my casual work of charcoal production.This drains my energy and return home in the evening feeling tired.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have ever faced in my life is food insecurity.It has been three years since we received sufficient rains in our area resulting to harsh weather conditions.Due to this, I have been struggling to meet my daily expenses for my household.I depend on charcoal production which is energy draining and gives little returns. I get a proceed of KES 2600 per month which is not sustainable for all the basic needs of my family.Sometime I borrow food from relatives.This makes me feel embarrassed .
