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 ($519 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?
Before GiveDirectly came, we were living in a small house. All these years, I was left without a choice but to stay in it because I couldn't afford to build a new house when all the saving we had was focused on my spouse's education. The little resources that remained were limited to meeting our family daily basic needs. Having a spacious house like this makes me and my family to no longer shy away when we have visitors. This is my life's difference that I wouldn't have met had it not been for GIveDirectly.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did a good job of issuing phones to its beneficiaries thereafter it ensuring that before we received the transfers, we were taught on how to protect our documents and M-Pesa accounts from fraud. I do not see what GiveDirectly did wrong at its work.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent a larger part of my second transfer to complete constructing my house through putting fixtures like doors, windows, and aligned the floor of my house. I bought household furniture such as three chairs , a table and radio. The remaining amount I purchased household expenditures and food for my family's consumption.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($542 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
My previous house was in a very bad state meaning it wasn't recommended from human habitation as it was almost collapsing . I always wished to build a new one but it always looked like a distant dream because of financial constrain . My husband who is the breadwinner of our house his income which he makes from doing causal jobs around the village only supported the provision of daily household needs hence the resources of renovating or building a new house was not possible . The biggest difference in my daily life is the joy and peace I have after getting resources to build a new house which has been my greatest desire to enhance safety by giving them a quality shelter .
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was asleep and got woken up by my husband . Looking at him he had a big smile on his face then the first words he said were GiveDirectly had sent money . I felt very happy and celebrated since I knew from that day hence forth , I would obtained what I lacked the most which was owning a new decent shelter that I have always dreamed of .
What did you spend your first transfer on?
My previous house was in a deplorable condition and I used to get worried of it collapsing on us. I spent 30,000 KES of my first transfer to buy building materials such as 20 pieces of iron sheets , timbers , building poles and paid labor who are now constructing my new house. I am happy that my dream of owning a new house is almost coming to pass for the sake of my family's safety . I bought clothing and food for my family's consumption with the remaining amount .
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a financial stable home for us. First I plan to complete my tailoring course and buy a sewing machine so I can start making some income. I also want to start a grocery shop alongside the tailoring business in order to make extra income that will help us even build a better and bigger house. With the rest, I will support my husband's secondary education by paying part of his school fees.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is when night falls because I stay in my house which is like my hiding place from all the glaring looks that spell disappointment because of teenage pregnancy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
When I got pregnant while in school, I had no option but to drop out and move in with my baby's father as I was no longer welcome home. He too was a student, still is, and thus neither of us earns any income whatsoever. We depend mostly on his parents for upkeep and other relatives of his, even the house we live in was given to us by his brother because we could not afford to build one for ourselves. With a baby to take care of now, we are devastated. Thus, our biggest hardship is financial instability.
