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 ($525 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I used to be the talk of the village because my spouse passed on leaving me with totally nothing right from household furniture to owning a kitchen or domestic animals. My life is currently different from the way it would have been had I not received the transfers in that if it wasn't for GiveDirectly I wouldn't be having a kitchen at the moment. This is because I was able to construct a kitchen with the second transfer. I am glad I'm no longer the talk of the village anymore and people can associate themselves with me. This is because I was able to purchase both goats and decent furniture with the previous transfers.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, Give Directly's idea of giving out unconditional cash transfers is a good idea. It the most unique and efficient way of helping the poor because the recipients decide on what to do with the money. I am one of the beneficiaries and I have grown in different ways ever since I started receiving the transfers. On the other hand, I wouldn't say there is anything the GiveDirectly isn't doing well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I didn't have a kitchen previously and I was forced to cook in the main house. This was not healthy because of the smoke that was emitted from the firewood and at the same time the household items smelt of smoke. I, therefore, bought building materials which I used to construct a kitchen. Part of the money I spent on three goats for rearing as a way of investment so that in the future after they have given birth I can sell one of the young ones in case of emergencies. My son too was admitted at the hospital at the time when the second transfer was sent so I used part of the money to pay for the hospital bill so that he could be discharged.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($546 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is seeing my son having his own house. Atleast I am relieved.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received money from GiveDirectly, I was so happy. I was glad for having received free money and being that it was unconditional made me so happy.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my first transfer on buying a cow for rearing and some sheep too. I did not have any. The remaining amount I spent on buying building materials that I have since used to build my son a house too.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means that I shall be able to buy a cow so that it shall be feeding on the bushy grass in my compound. This cow will produce milk that I will use and sell the surplus to earn money to buy other kinds of food and clothing. The remaining balance I will use to buy furniture for my house, I will repair my house and fix windows in it.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is during the afternoon when I have had my lunch and just relaxing in my house.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced was when my son got a motor cycle accident and was admitted for several weeks due to knee injury, I had no money to pay his medical bills, I had to sell a piece of our family land leaving us with a very little parcel that cannot produce enough food for the family.
