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 ($527 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?
My life is different from how it would have been had I not received the transfers because I have been able to build a decent and spacious house for my family. I once owned a big housing but I had to sell it so that I could use the money to pay for my medication. I had been sick for long and had ran short of money to use. Also, I have been able to buy a calf for rearing. When it reproduces, I will have milk for our consumption and for sale to earn income.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly did well by enrolling everyone in the village and by giving aid in terms of cash.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
When I received my second transfer, I spent part of it to buy some seats, beddings and clothes for my family. Also, I was able to provide a good medical attention for myself. I have been suffering from leg pains for so long and I was not in a position to pay for my medication due to lack of money.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($530 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have built a better and spacious house. We used to live in a small mud house which could not host all my family members comfortably. I depend on small scale farming and the harvest from my farm was so small. I could not get the surplus to sell to earn an income to build a better house. I feared to welcome visitors into my house because there was no enough space to host them. The house we used to live acted as store, kitchen, and bedroom at the same time. It was so congested. Whenever I had my other siblings around they could spend their nights at our grandmother house. Currently, I have built a spacious and descent house. I no longer fear to host visitors at my house. My children have a nice place to sleep and do their things privately unlike before. I am so much grateful because GiveDirectly has changed our living standard.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received my money I felt so happy. I remember it was very early in the morning when my daughter was checking my phone as usually. She immediately informed me that GiveDirectly has sent me a sum of 55000 KES. I was so happy because I knew my dream of building a better house was going to be an easy task for me. My children too were so happy and they really celebrated.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my first transfer to build a better and more spacious house for my family. For a long time, I had this desire of building a bigger and more spacious house but with the little income that I got, I was unable to build the house as I had to meet the basic household needs and I was left with nothing to save. I am so much grateful for the support.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money will enable me build an iron roofed house since the one i currently live in is in a bad condition since water leaks in whenever it rains. I also plan to buy one dairy cow which will act as my source of income upon selling milk.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Since i started suffering from athritis, i have always had sleepless nights due to pains all over my legs and joints. I am always happy in the morning since the pains usually subsides during this time and is also the time i get to sleep to compensate the sleepless nights
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I was diagnosed of athritis 6 years ago, a disease that has greatly affected my health and productivity since i cant engage in activities such as farming, something that i used to depend on for living before the disease cropped in. I now fully depend on my children to provide for me which makes me feel like im being a burden to them. This is the biggest hardship i have faced
