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
53075 KES ($523 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?
My life is different from how it was in that, I no longer take loans like I used to before Give Directly came into my life. Whenever I am in need of money, I can easily sell eggs and use the money rather than bothering my friends or family members. I am nowadays a stress-free man who no longer worries about how I would pay people's loans which had always been a norm.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
What amazed me about GiveDirectly was the way the living standards of many people in our village changed through unconditional transfers that they gave out. People were able to build houses and accomplish most of their goals. I am glad that I was part of the program that changed my life.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent part of my transfer to purchase five goats and a donkey. The donkey has been really helping me to fetch water from the river. I have been using my brother's but I felt that it was time to buy my own. The idea of having a long-term solution to financial need made me purchase hens and that is how I started a poultry project. Today, I can proudly say that I handle my emergencies well by using the money that I get from selling eggs. Apart from that, I also bought clothes for my children and a solar lantern. It has really changed my life since my house is well lit and I no longer have to buy paraffin every time like I used to do before I started receiving these transfers.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($548 USD)
access_time 6 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference is that now I got a better shelter over our heads and we can now afford to eat well since we enough food which we bought after receiving the transfer from GD.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I felt so happy when I received these transfer as at the moment when I received I didn't have a single cent to buy food for my family.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
The money which Give Directly sent it to me, I spent the money to built a house, buy clothes for all my family members and buy food which we were lacking the time I received the transfer.
Enrolled
access_time over 6 years ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship is living in a leaking grass thatched house and whenever I save from the casual labor tasks that I do I would end up either using the money on buying food or paying debts. This kind of life causes me stress as I do not a better house nor any cows.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is usually at noon while I work in the farm as its the only means to earn a living and that means atleast am guaranteed a meal in the evening.
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means that I am eventually going to have iron roofed house, and buy cows that can be sold or be used by the family in case of an emergency. I shall also be able to start a small business for my wife to whom we just got married last week.
