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 ($485 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?
My life is different than it would have been, in that my living standards have improved because I used my first transfer to build a decent house for my family, I am in a motorcycle taxi business, I earn very little that I could not afford to build myself a house, I bought 8 goats with my second transfer, in addition to that I paid school fees for my 2 children who are in a secondary school, I am so happy and thankful for the project that changed our lives, it's my prayer that this good work should continue to empower other communities just the way we benefited.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
People have different needs, and GiveDirectly understands that by giving out unconditional cash transfers, we get to decide on how to use the money, with that we are happy, not all the organisations work in that manner, so far I don't see anything that is not done correctly
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am into a motorcycle taxi business, I have 3 children of which two of them are in high school, school fee has been my major problem due to my unreliable source of income, therefore, when I received my transfer I used KES 8000 in paying for the school fees arrears, I then started a goat rearing business where I bought 8 goats at KES 28,000, Kilifi region is a favourable environment for goat keeping making the project more sustainable and in no time I will be getting a return, With that, I believe that all my school fees needs would be catered from the project. I am relieved and happy for the support that changed my life.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($510 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I remember it was around 9 o'clock when I was in the forest preparing charcoal for sell. I heard a message notification on my phone and after checking I realize it was the transfer that I had been waiting. I felt very happy for receiving such huge amount which will fulfill my desires.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Living in a decent and comfortable house with my family is the biggest difference in my daily life. Previously, I lack enough money to construct my house since the income from my charcoal vending was hardly enough to feed, clothes and educating my 3 children.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $280 of my transfer to construct a decent shelter for my family. This is because my previous house had collapsed and I was seeking shelter in my brother house together with my children. I was worried that the owner could came anytime with his family and displace me. I had always wished to construct my own house but I lack the finances to purchase the building materials. I also paid school fees and bought clothes for my 3 children who are in primary school. Lastly, I purchased enough food for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My house back at our homestead is not in a habitable condition since I had left it for a while to live separately from the extended family due to family issues. Since the issues have been resolved ,I plan on building another house then get back there at the homestead. The two bedroom house will cost me 250 USD. My second plan is starting a retail shop business at a cost of 200 USD. The shop will relieve me from the physical jobs that I do which have really affected my health. I will use 150 USD to go for checkup since I had undergone an operation and my health has not been good since then.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is the happiest part of my day. I feel relaxed at this time and my mind is usually at peace. The morning hours come with a lot of stress;for example where to get food for the day. I wake up to go and look for casual jobs or sell charcoal. It is until noon that I can relax a little bit.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Raising up my three children has been my biggest hardship. This is mainly because we have had domestic issues with my spouse. As we speak,she is away because we had some misunderstanding. I depend on casual jobs and charcoal vending to earn income. This jobs are very physical whereas I have some health problems. I underwent an operation on my appendix back in 2009 and since then ,I have not quite healed. I have occasional pains and sometimes purse oozes from the scar. On visiting the hospital ,I was informed that I have to go for check up. I have not been able to raise the required 150 USD.
