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
45000 KES ($314 USD)
access_time 8 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I'm planning and aspiring to construct a well-built, two-room house for my family of eight. Even though it's still rather small for our needs, it represents an upgrade from our current situation and offers potential for future expansion.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
What I appreciate most about Give Directly is their commitment to providing financial education and guidance. They encourage families to plan for their funds collectively, which not only prevents conflicts but also fosters cooperation.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With my second transfer from Give Directly, I allocated the bulk of the funds towards purchasing building materials. This was in line with my plan to start construction work on our house. We spent approximately $19.5 on iron sheets and about 3kgs of nails.
Food was another priority, and I used $100 to replenish our depleted household food supplies. Additionally, I paid off $100.5 in school fee arrears and spent $17.5 to enhance my kitchen with a few necessary items.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18010 KES ($129 USD)
access_time 10 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
While I was working at the farm, I unexpectedly received my initial transfer. It started off as a regular day until I heard my phone ring, prompting me to swiftly pick it up and read the message. To my delight, it was a confirmation from GiveDirectly, notifying me that I had received funds. The overwhelming joy I felt stemmed from the assurance that I would be able to achieve the goals I had set for myself earlier.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The most significant difference now is my newfound ability to invest in farming without financial struggles, which was not possible before. I am thrilled to have finally realized this dream, as it gives me hope of securing an ample food supply this year. I am eternally grateful for the incredible gift I received from GiveDirectly, which has made all of this possible.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving financial support from GiveDirectly was truly a blessing, presenting a perfect opportunity for me to make prudent use of the funds. As both my husband and I are farmers, we recognized the pressing need for significant investment in our farming activities, which serve as the primary source of our income. Consequently, I decided to allocate $100 towards improving our farming endeavors. Additionally, I utilized $25 to upgrade our house from a mud structure to one with iron sheet roofing. Lastly, I allocated $45 to cover the school fees for our children. These endeavors were previously beyond our reach due to financial constraints. The assistance we received from GiveDirectly has not only elevated our living standards but has also granted us a newfound sense of financial independence. We will forever cherish and remain grateful for the transformative support provided.
Enrolled
access_time 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
This transfer could not have come at a better time than this, we have been afflicted with fear and worry about where the next meal will come from. With the lack of food, the world for us has become more sinister to live in. Receiving this money will enable us to solve the most urgent need for food. We intend to use $ 120 to buy two bags of maize. We intend to use the rest of the transfer to buy 20 goats to leverage the availability of pastures that is now available as a result of the rainfall, this is the season for long rains, goats feed a lot on the vegetation, and since the vegetation will be plenty they will multiply fast. We anticipate selling them in the future to pay school fees for our children who are in various schools.
What is the happiest part of your day?
We experienced a severe drought that lasted for long. We are glad that yesterday we received a heavy downpour that will go a long way in salvaging the situation of our livestock which had borne the greatest brunt. They had become so emaciated and they were on the verge of dying. We are certain that the pastures will now sprout and be sufficient for them. Subsequently, there will be increased milk production which will be enough for household consumption.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
We are people of little means who live from hand to mouth. We depend on casual jobs which are rare to come by and so getting money to fend for the family is hard to the extent that putting food on the table is a tall order, so we are grappling with the challenge of food insecurity, this has preyed upon our greatest fear. As parents, we feel bad when our children go to bed on an empty stomach. It pains and it is so haunting, we are always immersed in deep thoughts of uncertainties that we somehow feel we have failed to provide for them nor done enough to better the situation. The cost of living has risen up and at times when we are lucky to get casual jobs the wages are never enough to purchase enough food to last for some days.
