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 ($493 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is now different than how it would have been because I managed to construct a decent spacious house that can accommodate all my family members. The previous one had some weak walls with holes all over plus a leaky roof. During the winter seasons, it was worse because all we could do was to seek shelter from friends and a bit challenging because only a few individuals owned spacious houses. This means sometimes it was not easy for one to secure the shelter. All have changed now because I am even in a position to host someone in my new house. Also, the goats and chicken that I own have made me proud because I have assets that can easily depend on in case of anything. For these miracles, it was by God's grace.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirecty has been doing to us and I can't afford to complain. The money was nonrefundable and everyone was equally sent the money as promised. Also, the teachings about how to secure the money from the officers were of great help to us.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second d transfer on buying some iron sheets, nails, a wooden door, and timber. This was for the completion of my house since it was in poor condition and very small. Also, I bought seven goats at KES 28000 these are now the assets that I can always lean on. These will now serve as the living assets that will lean on in case of any emergency. Also, I bought decent clothes, utensils, basins to avoid borrowing from friends. With the remaining amount of m money, I bought sufficient foodstuffs.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($500 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was still on my bed at around 10 in the morning when I heard my phone ringing. Since I am illiterate I decided to ask for assistance from my son. On checking, he realized that it was an Mpesa message from GveDirectly. They had debited my first transfer as promised earlier on. I felt so happy and thanked God for bringing GD into my village.
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 am now having several goats that I am currently rearing in my compound. I have been longing to own them for quite a long time but I could not afford to own them because they were very costly. I settled in purchasing them because their offsprings mature faster compared to the other domestic animals. This makes me believe that I would go far and achieve sot through them. Also, the goats can survive in any climatic condition, and because in my village is a semi-arid region I believe they will survive without any difficulties. Currentky some have started reproducing and this means they will increase in number within a short period of time. My wish is when they multiply, I will start a business of selling the offspring as soon as they mature to the local market. Through this business, I am optimistic that I will no longer have to strain in meeting my family's needs as I used to.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some building materials such as iron sheets, building poles, timber, nails, and threads. This was for the construction of a new house because the previous one was in critical condition and almost collapsing. I also bought some livestock such as six goats that will serve as the living assets that I can depend on. I addition to that, I cleared school fees arrears for my children and new uniforms as well. With the remaining amount of money, I bought enough foodstuff and some the house items such as utensils and jerricans.
Enrolled
access_time almost 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Owning a modern irony roofed house like other villagers have been the greatest desire in my life. This is because my house is leaking, grass thutched, and requires maintenance every year which is costly. I am planning to spend $ 250 to purchase 16 iron sheets, poles and to pay labor charge to construct a one-roomed house. I will spend the remaining amount to purchase food and 12 goats at $30 each, This will be my future investment that will assist me whenever I face any financial needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Afternoon is the happiest part of my day. My mornings are usually the busy moment of the day, I use this time to do house chores and my job of charcoal burning up to the afternoon when I return home to relax. It at time that I interact with my grandchildren being around them makes my feel rejoiced.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Despite having chest problem, I am still forced to do Charcoal burning in order to get food and other necessities for myself. This activity is tiresome and requires a lot of energy to undertake. I have wished to have a different job like goats rearing but I have not achieved this because of the financial challenges that I face. Hence, I consider lack of finances as my biggest hardship.