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
53010 KES ($355 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Completing my 5-room house for my family of nine is a cherished dream, and I am ready to take determined steps to turn it into a reality. Currently residing in a semi-permanent house, my aspiration is to provide my family with a decent, permanent home. This venture signifies a significant step toward achieving stability and comfort, and I am determined to make it happen. To achieve this goal, I plan on taking a bank loan of $2500. This financial support will provide the necessary resources to complete the house and offer my family a comfortable and permanent home. I understand that this commitment means reallocating my financial resources, and I am prepared to do so. I will use my salary to pay school fees for my children, ensuring they receive a quality education and a promising future. It is a choice that reflects my dedication to both my family's shelter and their education.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly's impact in providing proper housing to those less fortunate is truly commendable. Their transfers have been a beacon of change and hope, transforming not only individual lives but also entire communities. Personally, I have experienced the profound impact of GiveDirectly's transfers. I was able to pay school fees for my children, ensuring they have access to education and the opportunities it brings. Additionally, I used the support to build a decent shelter for my family of eight, creating a safer and more comfortable home. I wish that GiveDirectly could extend their assistance to other communities, spreading the same positive changes we have witnessed. Their work has indeed been good, and I hope it continues to touch the lives of those in need, making the world a better place one community at a time.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving the transfers was a turning point in my life, allowing me to address long-standing needs and aspirations. I had already built a 5-room brick-walled house, but it remained incomplete. With the support of GiveDirectly, I made some strategic choices that have had a significant impact on my family's well-being. I spent $220 on purchasing iron sheets, an investment that brought us closer to completing our house and providing a comfortable home for my family of nine. This improvement offered not only shelter but also a sense of security and stability. I also spent $150 on a second-hand motorcycle for my transportation to work. I am employed at a CDF office in Ganze, and with the motorcycle, I have the freedom to efficiently commute to my workplace. This has allowed me to always be there for my family, ensuring their needs are met and creating a stronger bond with them. Additionally,I paid $40 in school fees for my children. This investment in their education was a top priority, as it lays the foundation for a brighter future for our family. I saved the remaining funds for emergencies, providing a safety net for unexpected challenges that life may bring. This financial prudence reflects my commitment to securing my family's future, and I am glad for the transfers.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($387 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
As the sun dipped below the horizon, I received a life-changing message on my phone while heading home after attending a neighbor's burial. My eyes widened with disbelief as I read that $550 had been deposited into my account, courtesy of GiveDirectly. Waves of joy and gratitude washed over me. I knew at that moment that I would finally be able to provide for my family in ways I had only dreamed of before. No longer burdened by constant worry about how to make ends meet, a sense of hope and empowerment filled my heart.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My heartfelt prayer of living in a decent house roofed with a unique iron sheet known as versatile was finally answered. Although the roofing is incomplete, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of joy and gratitude because the step I've taken toward my dream is commendable. The roof above my head provides shelter and security, shielding me from the harsh elements that I once had to endure. Seeing this imaginable dream unfolding in success, I am filled with hope for a brighter future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Before the transfer, my dream house was merely a half-built structure, but with the money, I finally saw a glimmer of hope. I immediately invested $450 in purchasing 15 pieces of versatile iron sheets to complete the roofing. I chose this type of iron sheet because I have desired to live in my dream house while in the village. Every time I looked at it, I felt a surge of optimism, knowing that one day, it would be a place where my family and I would create beautiful memories.
Education has always been a priority for me, and I wanted to ensure that my seven primary school children had the opportunity to learn and grow. With gratitude in my heart, I used $50 off the cash transfer to pay their school fees. Seeing them off to school each morning fills me with pride and joy, knowing that they were on the path to a brighter future. Finally, I allocated the remaining $47 to buy food for my family. With a roof over our heads, education for our children, and food on the table, I know that the future held promise and prosperity for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Having a family of 9 can be a big challenge when you lack a decent home for them. My children have been spending nights in a small house without a bed. This is something that has devoured my mind as a parent because I am always worried about how this situation can adversely affect their studies. Since I already have 2 roomed brick house which is at its superstructure level, I plan to ensure I roof this house to provide space for my children. This will spare them from the danger of sleeping on a floor. To ensure this comes to reality, I intend to spend a big portion of my money ($720). Since I also have to support my children in school, I will use $80 to pay their school fees and this will provide a good chance for them. The remaining amount will help me to construct a toilet because we currently use the bush which can be very risky, especially at night. Hence, this is generally what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My current job! As a cleaner, I never thought of getting this opportunity in the office of our area member of parliament considering that, I am only a standard 3 dropout. This brought a lot of happiness to my family because I can now confidently wake up in the morning and leave for work. Unlike in the past when I was jobless yet I have a family to take care of. Hence, this is the reason for my joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The pain of watching my children desperately when they are sent home from school is the worst thing I have ever gone through in my life. Since I have 7 children in school, catering for their fees is a big challenge. Sometimes, I feel like a burden on me because I still have to provide food for the family. Because I recently got work as a cleaner where I earn $200 per month, I usually find myself spending all my salary on clearing the previous month's bills. This leaves me with nothing to plan for other household needs. I, therefore, consider financial constraints as my biggest challenge.
