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.
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($492 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Yes, I want to pay school fees for my children who are in school. For very many occasion I have been struggling to pay school fees for them and they have been set home severally. I was also want to build a house for my eldest son.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I think GiveDirectly is doing well in helping us the needy in the society and also giving as money that we can use without any pressure on what to spend the money on. I think that’s a very good think to me.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent the money in buying iron sheets, wood, poles and nails. These materials were will be used in the construction of the house. It’s a one room house for my son. The house we are currently staying is getting small and so it wise to build him a house of his own. Soon he is going to have a family of his own and the house I will be of great importance to him.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($497 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was exactly 9 o'clock when I was in my house preparing to go to the field to look after my goats. I heard a message on my phone and I passed over the phone to my helper. After checking my phone, he confirmed that I had receive my transfer. I felt extremely happy for receiving my transfer which will help me in solving my problems .
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am a happy farmer after purchase my own ox for ploughing my farm. It will greatly assist me in preparing my farm and produce enough food for the family. In addition, my kids are learning without being sent home often due to fees issues.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 26,000 to purchase one ox and 2 goats. I am planning to train it to assist me in ploughing my farm since I am sick diagnosed with ulcers and higher blood pressure. Because of my sickness, I was advised not to do laborious activities like digging with my hand. I also spent KES10,000 to pay part of the school fee arrears for my daughter who is from 2. Furthermore, I spent KES 8,000 to clear the fees arrears for my other children who are in primary school. The remaining amount assisted me in purchasing enough food and water since we are experiencing drought in our area.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means food security to my household. This is because I do farming on a half-acre of land and the much I harvest is only 50kgs of maize that sustain my family of 8 for 2 weeks. I am planning to spend $450of my first transfer to buy oxen and an ox plough which will enable me to upscale my farming to produce more harvest utmost 10 bags to sustain us for nearly 7 months. I will spend the second transfer to buy 7 goats to act as my long-term investment project as well as to cater to my other basic needs like food and paying school fees for my children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening. This is because at this time, I share dinner with my children, something that makes me feel happy. Unlike in the morning and afternoon hours when I might even miss food for my children.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity has been a challenge to my household. My husband is a palm wine tapper while I do household chores. The income from his job is very minimal, usually, $5 per week, and this cannot sustain us. Seeking help from my relatives has been always the case and this gives me the feeling of shame. Therefore, I consider food insecurity as the biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life.
