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 ($518 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I paid for dowry to my in-laws using this money. Since then I am at peace with them. I do not think I would have been able to pay the amount that I paid through this transfer. I also saved this money and my intention is to open a barber shop. To me this will be an investment which I will be getting an income.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well in the whole process of choosing the needy households and giving them the money to plan for themselves in their household. There is nothing that GiveDirectly does not do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent part of my second transfer on purchasing a solar panel to provide lighting to my household. I was previously using some kerosene lamps which cost me daily. I no longer incur any expenses since the solar serves us well. I also bought an ox plough to use with my pair of oxen to plough my farm. I saved some amount that I am planning to start barber shop in the near future as an investment. I spent the remaining amount of the money to buy foodstuffs for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($548 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
I was just a casual labourer and at times it was not easy to get a casual job to do to earn a living since casual jobs were unreliable. When GiveDirectly came to our village and sent us the transfer, I was able to start a barbershop hence I am self-employed. I am now engaged and able to earn a living more easily as compared to the past.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I had already woken up for the new day's activities. I was at my farm weeding my crops when I heard my phone ringing notifying of an incoming message. I slowly removed it from its case expecting a call request from a friend, but it was all a different story! It was a message from GiveDirectly notifying me that my first transfer has been sent. I was overjoyed as I dropped everything I was doing. I was in a temporary turmoil on where to go and withdraw my money.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer on purchasing a solar panel, a solar Exide battery and other appliances to use in opening a barber shop in my village. Before I was doing casual jobs and the income was irregular and not enough. I can now earn an income through self-employment. In addition to this, I also purchased four goats for domestic rearing from which I am saving for the future of my children should they reproduce and increase in number. I also bought 2-90kg sacks of maize in order to provide food for my family for it was a problem since my income from the casual jobs was not enough to provide food adequately.
Enrolled
access_time almost 6 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a better life for me and my family. I have desired so much to open a barber shop in Mwakwala and since I already have the skills, this money will help me realize that dream.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the afternoon from 12:30pm to 1:30pm. This is the time when I go to the mosque to pray. I am happiest at this time because when I pray I feel peace in my heart.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship in my life is lack of a stable source of income. This has made it difficult for me to provide food and other basic needs for my family.
