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 ($485 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now own 2 cows and 2 goats which I didn't have before, My husband work is very tiresome, carrying water on his back was hectic and it took a long time to deliver to his customers, the biggest difference now is that he can deliver on time thanks to the motorcycle that we bought, Not forgetting my business that is now picking up, this is still my main source of livelihood and I am indebted to GiveDirectly which enabled me to revive it. I am grateful for receiving my transfer that transformed my life into a better one.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has empowered all of us economically, they were never biased in their work, I am humbled to have received the transfer. So far I don't see anything that they are not doing well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used to sell clothes in the nearby shopping center before, but my business collapsed simply because it was our main source of income which we all depended on our daily livelihood, I have 4 children, 3 of them are schooling at the moment, My husband is in the business of buying and selling water, therefore when I received my transfer I used 300 dollars in purchasing a second-hand motorcycle that would help my husband in his business, In addition to that I bought 2 cows worth 250 dollars and 2goats worth 70 dollars, this came as a relief in our lives because we were struggling to make ends meet on a daily basis. Lastly, I used the remaining part of the transfer in restocking my business.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($510 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 9 AM, when I was I was doing some house chores then my phone started ringing. I ignored it since I was too busy and I wasn't expecting to hear from anyone. Later on, I decided to check if there were any notifications. I didn't believe what I saw, there was an unread message which was from GiveDirectly. I had finally received my first transfers. I really couldn't contain my joy, for I knew all my dreams have at last come true.
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 have livestock more so dairy cows and goats that I am currently keeping in my compound. This has been my desire to have at least one living asset that I can rely on in case of any financial crisis but since they were too costly I couldn't afford them. I feel I have now regained my value as a parent because I can easily provide for my family without straining through the livestock. With the cows very soon I will be getting plenty of milk which will purely be for commercial purposes and the remaining few litres for my family. I will save the money that I will be earning from this business majorly for my children education. Since this was been the biggest challenge in my life of paying fees in time. I am optimistic the cows will be of great help. Also when the goats multiply I will sell some and start some other business which will be an additional income. These will enable me to fend my family with ease without struggling like before.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying livestock such as two dairy cows at KES 26000 and two goats at KES 6000. This has been my desire to own them but because of my low income, I couldn't afford it. I also boosted my business of selling second-hand clothes mitumba which I have been running for quite some time. Also, I settled a debt of KES 3500 to my friends. Also, I gave my spouse KES 6000 of the transfer to boot his business of selling charcoal in town. With the remaining amount bought enough foodstuffs for my family and some household items like decent clothes
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a housewife and a mother to 4 children. My longing has been to have a long term investment but due to financial constraints, this dream has never come to pass. I am planning to purchase 4 indigenous dairy cows at 20,000 shillings each. This means good future to my family because I will be able to meet my daily needs such as food. The income I will be getting from the sale of milk will enable me cater for all the needs. In a day I will be selling at least 10 litres of milk and make 500 shillings which is enough for my family needs. We always spend 300 shillings in a day. I will save the rest of the transfers for my children future education. Other than that, I am going to spend the remaining transfer to renovate my house roof which leaks during rainy seasons.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is my happiest part of the day. This is because I have enough time with my husband. We can chat and enjoy meals together. Unlike in the morning when he is away for work.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship is the lack of a reliable source of income. I am a housewife who depends on my husband who works as a casual laborer. In a day he makes 200 shillings and this is not guaranteed. This has made him fail to sustain all our needs.
