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 ($461 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
So far so good and I honestly do not have any new goal that I have in mind. I am thankful for the one that I was able to accomplish which was to purchase a piece of land. Back in the day, I used to lease from friends which were very expensive. Sometimes, I could not afford it and I ended up not harvesting hence unending famine.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did a good job in the entire village and this was evident in the smiles from each one of us. The enrollment process was fair to every household and no one was left out. Secondly, there was no discrimination regardless of gender, tribe, or even religion. I, therefore, do not see any part that needs to change in their operations.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on paying school fees of KES 6500 for my four kids who are in primary schools. I am happy that at long last they were able to sit for their exams timely with their colleagues. Initially, this could not happen because of the financial hardships that we have been experiencing. In addition, I bought a solar panel at KES 3500 which has been helpful, especially at night and charging of our my phone. Previously, I used to purchase very expensive candles, and sometimes this was not affordable. Later on, I bought two mattresses at a total of KES 11500 which is for my two children who have been sleeping on the floor for years. In addition, I cleared the debt of KES 9000 to a friend and at least for now, I have peace of mind. With the reminding amount, I bought enough foodstuffs for my eight family members. Lately, we have not been skip on meals as we used to do.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was approximately 6 pm when I was in my kitchen preparing dinner for my children. I was with my helper at home when I received the message carrying my transfer. I was so happy when my helper confirm the receipt on my account and informed me that I had received my transfer. I was sure that my kids will be able to return to school since they had been sent for fees on the vary day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life is that my kids had commenced their studies after being sent home due to the fee balances. Furthermore, I was able to acquire a piece of land, I will be practicing farming and producing enough food for the family use something that will resolve the problem of food insecurity in the family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 25,000 to purchase a piece of land, I intend to use it for farming. This is because the place where I was farming did not belong to us and I had been leasing the land in every planting season. I also used KES 4500 to pay off the school fees arrears for my 4 children who are still in primary school. Furthermore, I used KES 3,500 to take my 4 kids to the hospital to undergo circumcision, this is because I lacked the money to accomplish this rite. With the remaining amount, I spent it on food and clothing for my family.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means food security to my family. Currently, I have one acre of land which has never been enough to produce food for my family of ten. I therefore intend to buy one more acre of land at a cost of 35000KES and one ploughing cow. With this addition of labour force, I will be able to cultivate all the two acres with ease and be sure of adequate harvest when the rains come. By this, I will have settled the burden of food insecurity in my home.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My first born child called Swalehe really impressed me. He is now in standard seven, but in his last term exam in class six he came with a report that he managed to be position one. I was really happy as a parent because despite all the challenges we are facing as a family, he managed to outshine the other children who I can say are privileged.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Water shortage is the biggest problem in my household. The place where we go fetch water is a two hours walk distance. With my seven children, you can imagine we survive with 30ltrs of water. That means we have to skip taking shower or alternate who shower today and the other one tomorrow. It's a very shameful situation but we have no option. The children play so much but cleaning their clothes happen once in two weeks.
