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 ($467 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
At the moment I do not have any other goal, I am contented with what I have, though I know that in future maybe I would want to start a business that would enable me to generate income.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly staffs are committed to their work, they ensure that they treat all individuals with respect and patience. Throughout my interaction with the staff, I have not witnessed anything that was not done correctly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving my transfer, I saw it as a golden opportunity for me to build a decent house for my family, this is because the house that I had before was old and the roof was rusty and leaking, this was bad, especially during the rainy season, unfortunately, we had to endure due to financial constraints, when I received the transfer I used KES 30,000 in constructing a house for my family, I then used KES 19,000 in buying a dairy cow, I am happy and relieved that we have a decent home now.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($498 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 9:30 am when I was in my house relaxing after completing my household chores like washing clothes and sweeping. I had prepared breakfast and I was feeding my small child. I heard a loud message notification on my phone and upon checking, I realized that I had received my transfer. I felt relieve and happy at the same time since the problem of poor shelter will finally get a permanent solution.
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 am leaving a happy life after receiving my transfer. I was able to acquire all the building materials and set aside the some money for labour costs. I am positive that I will be able to own a decent shelter once I complete the construction of my new shelter.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 35,000 of my transfer to purchase building materials including 20 iron sheet, 60 buildings pole, nails, and timber. This was for the construction of a new decent house for my family. Similarly, I set aside KES 7000 to pay the contractor for labour cost. Previously, the house that I had was grass thatched, leaks and about to collapse. It was very risk to my family members and always worried that it may fall anytime. I also bought a bed and mattress for KES 11,500. Back in the days, I was sleeping on the floor with my small child using old sacks. This was not comfortable and the worst moments of my life because my small child developed skin rashes due to the maggots on the floor. The remaining amount assisted me in purchasing enough food for the family.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I got married a 1 year later after completing my standard 8 exam, because my parents could not support me to continue with my studies due to lack of money. Being in a marriage as housewife is something that I never imagined before and I have always admired to do a tailoring course in order to have a stable source of income. Receiving this money therefore, will mean a better future to me since I intend to spend utmost $480 to cater to the training fees as well as purchasing the sewing machine. With the remaining amount, it will help me to construct a decent house because the one I have is small and grass-thatched. This will change my livelihood to the better, a transformation that I have wished for a long time.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I consider the afternoon as my happiest part of the day because I usually get ample time to talk and laugh with my other family members. Unlike in the morning and afternoon hours when I am alone. The loneliness stresses me and I could always think a lot about my past misfortunes.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Imagine after a long struggle in my studies to get 340 marks during the final exam for standard 8, the only reward I got was to get married earlier than I planned. This was because my parents could not raise money to pay for my school fees something that frustrated me and eventually led to my early marriage. It is a life fully of misery and I am always feeling ashamed being a housewife. I am now a happy person after knowing that, GiveDirectly has come to my rescue.
