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.
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($490 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 different than it would have been if I never received the transfer in that I was able to start goats rearing activity which is my longterm investment for the family. Back in the days, I was depending on charcoal vending a job that is tiresome and low-paying. Furthermore, I was able to clear the fees arrears for my children and acquire enough food. Lastly, I was able to complete the construction of my house by purchasing the roofing materials and paying labour charges for the putting up of a roof of the house which I had fail to complete due to lack of adequate finances.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well for helping us with the unconditional cash transfer. Through this aid, we were able to achieve our desires by starting income generating activities our society.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $100 to pay for the school fees of my children. This is because they were constantly sent home due to a lack of school fees. I also saved $120 for the children's education which will assist them whenever they faced any financial issue in school. In addition, I bought school uniforms for my children since they had few pairs. The remaining amount I bought enough food for the family this is because we are now experiencing drought and famine in our area.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($511 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 fetching water from the nearby water pan at around 8 am when I heard message notification on phone. On arriving home, I checked my phone and I found out it was Mpesa message from GiveDirectly I had received my transfer . I was overwhelmed with joy knowing that my kids will get quality education and I will finally restart my livestock rearing activity.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I was struggling a lot to educate my kids. This is because they where constantly out of school due to lack of fees. I was always in the principal's office begging him to keep my kids in schools while preparing charcoal for sell to pay their fees. I was always worried about the future of my children. The biggest difference in my daily life is I am living a peaceful life after clearing fee arrears. Also, I have some livestock which I am planing to sale their offspring when they reproduce to cater for the educational needs of my children.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I invested $160 on purchasing 6 goats to restart livestock rearing activity which I use to do some years ago. This is because because I sold all my animals to educate my children. Also, I bought 14 iron sheets to complete the construction of my children's house. I used the remaining amount clear school fees for my first child who is in form 3 and purchased enough food for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a housewife who has been depending on my husband who works as a casual labourer at our nearby center. Receiving this transfer means practising livestock keeping because that has been my long time desire. I am planning to spend 60,000 shillings to purchase at least 12 goats. This is going to be a source of income to my family of 4 because I will be selling them once I am stuck . Other than that, I am planning to spend the remaining amount to clear all the school fees balances he has so that when she completes school she can collect the certificates and proceed to join army. I believe that she is going to support us when she get employed.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is in the evening. It is at this time when I enjoy taking meals and chat with my family members. Unlike in the morning when my family members are out for work.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of a good source of income is my biggest hardship. I depend on my husband who works as a casual labourer. In a day he makes 500 shillings only which is not enough to cater for all our needs such as school fees. This has resulted to the big debts on school fees.
