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
53010 KES ($372 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My heart swells with determination as I envision the future I strive to build for my beloved children. Despite my current reliance on casual labor, I have a steadfast goal that I refuse to let waver. With every penny earned, my eyes are set on securing a bright educational path for them. I dream of providing them with opportunities that I never had, watching them flourish and grasp knowledge with eager minds. I know the road ahead will be challenging, but I won't falter. As I look into their hopeful eyes, I see the potential that lies within them, waiting to be nurtured. The dream of their uninterrupted education drives me forward, and I'll stop at nothing to ensure they receive the best possible foundation for their future success.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has been a true lifeline for me and my family. They have shown immense compassion and support, guiding us through tough times in hardship areas. The unconditional transfers they provided allowed me to finally resolve the long-standing issue of school fees for my children. Now, I can rest easy knowing that my kids can attend school without any interruptions due to financial constraints. GiveDirectly's assistance has not only alleviated our financial burdens but also given us the hope and confidence to build a brighter future for ourselves. Their dedication to helping those in need is truly commendable, and I will forever be grateful for the positive impact they have had on our lives.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the cash transfers from GiveDirectly, it felt like a ray of hope had finally reached our humble residence. With a family of seven crammed into our tiny house, I knew I had to do something to improve our living conditions. So, I decided to use $200 to construct an additional room, a place where my children could have some space to call their own, study, and dream. Seeing their smiles as the room took shape was priceless, and it filled my heart with joy.
Education is vital to breaking the cycle of poverty, so I allocated $180 to pay for my eldest child's secondary school fees and $20 for my youngest one in primary school. Investing in their future was non-negotiable, and I knew it was a gift that would keep on giving. With the remaining amount, I purchased enough food to sustain my family for the foreseeable future. As we sat together, sharing a meal in our slightly more spacious home, I couldn't help but feel immensely grateful to GiveDirectly for making all of this possible.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($443 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I felt so much happy the moment I I didn't know that I received the money at 1 until 5pm because I was far from where my phone was. I had a lit of work to do collecting sand. I did not have enough cash to set up a building . Children in school need food. We were living in a small house and now have extra room and now have privacy. I normally rely on charcoal selling but I now have chicken to rear
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that all that I planned are almost complete. I am so happy that the house is complete and I am looking forward to having clean piped water in my compound. It will take me at least $50 to get the water to my compound.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used 250 to buy cement and other building materials.150 to pay school fees and the remaining amount to buy food for the family. I am a mother of 5 and my husband works as a carpenter
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have a passion for farming, but this has been hard to do because of the seasonal rains. I want to plant vegetables and make a living out of them. Since I can not depend on rainfall, I will tap water from my neighbors and buy a tank worth $ 150 so I can practice irrigation. The excitement I have for this project is immense because unlike how others go to Lango Baya to buy vegetables for commercial purposes, I will be planting mine in my backyard and selling them.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Every day I wake up alive and healthy, I count it a blessing. I have a sister who has been bedridden for the past seven years due to health complications. When life throws stones at me I think of her and in a way, I get encouraged since I am fortunate to be healthy despite the challenges I face.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
If only I have the option of choosing a career I would be so happy but I do not have this privilege. As uneducated as I am I can only vend charcoal, farm, or raise livestock, all of which I do. Every morning I wake up and think of the work I have to do just to put food on the table I get depressed. I know they say one should not eat unless they work, but honestly not as hard as I do. I long for the day I can put up a business and maybe for the first time breathe and relax as I run my business.
