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
55000 KES ($387 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the upcoming year, my main ambition is to focus on completing my house. To achieve this objective, I plan to obtain and save the funds we receive from the proceeds of our farm. I am content with the progress I have made so far, and I am filled with gratitude for what I have accomplished. With determination and prudent financial management, I am optimistic that I can achieve my goal of finishing my house and create a comfortable and secure living space for my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The impact of GiveDirectly assistance on my village mates' lives has been truly remarkable. It brings me great joy and happiness, and I am at a loss for words to express my gratitude. The organization's approach to empowering both the young and the elderly, without any discrimination, is commendable. The field officers dedicated their time to visit each household personally, meticulously examining the living conditions without relying on hearsay or grapevine information. This thorough and inclusive approach has made a significant difference, leaving a positive and lasting impression on our community.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving my transfer, my husband and I knew that our top priority was to build a decent house for our family. Despite the small size of our previous dwelling, our financial constraints and school fee obligations had left us with no other options. My livelihood as a farmer and my husband's animal trade business sustained us, and with seven children to care for, every penny counted. With the entire $550 from the transfer, we invested in constructing the house we had always dreamed of. This achievement has filled us with eternal gratitude, as it has finally provided our family with a comfortable and decent home, something that seemed unattainable before. This positive change in our living conditions has given us hope for a brighter future and a sense of stability that we cherish deeply.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($419 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
When I received a message from GiveDirectly confirming the receipt of the first transfer, I was overjoyed. I was alone at home at the time of receipt and had to read the message on my own. It was not difficult to confirm that it was from GiveDirectly because I could tell by the amount of money I had received. I had been expecting the same news since enrollment, and as soon as I got it, I dashed to meet my husband, who was out in the field tending to the cattle. When he heard the news, he was extremely happy, and we began making plans to collect and spend the money within a week.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is having my children in school all term without being sent home. They used to be sent home at least three times a term because I could not pay their school fees all at once. When I received the transfer, I cleared all of their fees, and they have been attending all lessons ever since.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the first transfer, I prioritized paying school fees for my son and daughter in their final secondary school year, as well as my youngest child, who is currently in lower primary school. I spent $220 to cover the secondary school fee, $50 for my lower primary, and $20 to help her with all of the curriculum requirements. I am glad and relieved that they have been in school since then and are not being sent home like they used to be when we could rely on casual labor, which is currently scarce. I also spent $60 on food shopping for my family of 10, paid off a $50 debt with a neighbor, and spent $30 on materials for a chicken coop that I am yet to build. I want to start a free-range chicken farm, but first I need a good house with comfortable cages for them to lay their eggs. I am hoping for the success of this project as a source of extra income to help pay some household bills. In addition, I used the remaining amount to purchase new clothes for my family members as well as other household items.
Enrolled
access_time almost 2 years ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
The sky is the limit and for one to get there, then knowledge is key. This is only acquired through education. Although my family of 6 depends solely on farming to earn a living, I am saddened that the farms have not been productive lately hence affecting the family's financial output. For instance, paying school fees for my 4 children has been a struggle and we have to live from hand to mouth to satisfy some of their needs. It is a sigh of relief with the transfers for I intend on using $300 on clearing school fees for this year. For the rest of the transfers, I plan on utilizing the construction of a permanent house which I have already bought the materials. I will be glad that my financial predicament will have been shortly settled and my children's education catered for.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Christmas holiday comes once a year and it's often looked forward to. As a family, we were grateful during this season because it was a period of reunion and reminiscing the good old days with the entire family. In addition, there was plenty of food as the harvest had been bumper and schools were closed so there was no financial burden on the school fees.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Education is the key to life. As a parent, I often wish the best for my children especially now that I dropped out of grade 8 for lack of school fees. I never wish my children to be in the same shoes as I am, and that is why I strive hard to raise their school fees. Unfortunately, this is a struggle as my family of 6 depends solely on farming which is not productive as such for a living. Since I can hardly raise their school fees, the school administration sends them out of school hence missing out on some lessons. It saddens me that this negatively affects their performance as they lag in their grades.
