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 ($527 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent part of my second transfer to build a kitchen and
used the remaining amount to buy a dairy cow for the family. Initially we were living in a very small house that served both as a kitchen and main house where we could stay in as a whole family. This was a lot more uncomfortable especially for a growing family like ours. When we got our first transfer, we resorted to building a bigger house and which we did successfully. When we got our second transfer, we resorted to building a smaller house that was going to be used as a kitchen and where our children could sleep as well. We have since completed its construction and my entire family is much more comfortable than It was before we settled in them. We as well decided to buy a dairy cow since we did not have a cow of our own. It is so embarrassing in my community to lack the basic assets such as a cow and it had become too expensive for us to buy milk from our neighbors as well. We shall now be able to save the money that we would otherwise have used in buying milk as we also sell the surplus milk produced to meet other family expenses and needs.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has raised peoples living standards in an amazing way. We never thought we could accomplish the things we have accomplished and we cannot stop being thankful for this. On the other hand, I do not have any reservations against GiveDirectly and its operations.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different in that I now own a dairy cow and have new houses. I never thought we could build two houses anytime soon than we have done now. My husband's carpentry business had collapsed following the lack of enough money to keep it running and money to buy raw materials. When we got the transfers, we were able to join a merry go round and through the contributions, my husband has been able to buy a smoothing machine, timber and other carpentry materials that has since helped him revive the business. We now get support from him from his carpentry proceeds and this has raised the standards of living for the family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($546 USD)
access_time 6 years ago
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What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my first transfer on to build a house for my family worth 25000 KES, paid school fees for my children worth 5000 KES, bought two sacks of maize worth 4000 KES, a calf worth 15000 KES and used the remaining amount to buy clothes for my children.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was so overjoyed together with my family the moment I received my money.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is happiness since I now live in a nice house
Enrolled
access_time 6 years ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
In 2013 my husband got a serious road accident, he was hospitalized for more 3 months. We had to pay a lot of money for hospital bills, this was the biggest hardship we faced in our life.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is in the evening when we are having a meal with my husband and children. This is the time also we make family plans.
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My heart has been longing to have something that I would have in our home. Receiving this money will help us get these desires, like improving our house, buy livestock and improve my business.
