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
53150 KES ($525 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
check
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I am proud to own a cow in my homestead courtesy of GiveDirectlyt. I struggle to bring in assets that I can take pride in and lean on in case of financial needs but this had been challenging due to limited resources. My income has been too small to cater for both household daily needs and investments. I am currently keeping a cow with an aim that once they reproduce, I will have milk for both household consumption and sales. I will have offsprings which to me which I can always depend on in case of any financial crisis. To me having livestock in my homestead is the biggest difference in my daily life.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
We have been able to provide for our families effectively, purchasing livestock as assets and most importantly, building better iron-roofed houses thus enjoying good shelter. In my opinion, GiveDirectly has done well in its way of giving support. I love the fact that they are transparent and so inclusive, GiveDirectly is transparent and independent, I urge them to continue this way.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
When I received my second transfer, I spent part of it to buy building materials. I bought some building materials that include iron sheets, nails, timber, doors, windows in preparation to expand my house. Also, I used some amount on my children's school fees. I feel so happy to see them in school since I know that they will have good results to enable them to join good colleges for good courses. I used the remaining amount on my family's basic needs ranging from clothing the daily household needs that like foodstuffs.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($543 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
attach_money
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the rise in living standards.My children now have clothes and are feeding well unlike before.I have also been able to fence my compound and avoided any disturbances that came from outsiders. I am looking forward to making other meaningful family investments that will change my life and that of my family.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I felt so happy the moment i received the money from GiveDirectly. I was expecting this money but I was not sure about the dates.I heard my phone ring at around 5:00 am in the morning. I checked my message and confirmed that I had indeed received money from GiveDirectly. I went back to sleep as I planned on how I was going to spend the money to reap maximum benefits.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I used KES 30000 to buy a cow and the remaining amount was used to do fencing around my compound. For a long time I have been rearing someone else's cow just to help us have milk that could feed the family. This was so disappointing sice the owner of the cow could often come unexpectedly and take their cow especially when they learnt that it was so productive. This made me have the urge of having my own cow that would assist me earn extra income and feed my family well without getting insecure. I have since achieved this and I feel so proud of GiveDirectly.
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money is a great priviledge that could not have come at a better time.My family does not own any cows.We have been keeping two given to us by my spouse's parents and have been providing a small income through milk sale.However,at the end of the day,the asset itself(cow) does not belong to us and in the long run will not benefit our young children.I would like to buy two heifers so that as my young children approach secondary school I will have better capability of paying their fees through sale of milk as well as the cows if need be.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Early in the morning as my children leave for school,I finish up my household chores then head to the farm.Am happiest at this time because my body will mostly be energized after the night's rest.This means that am able to work in my farm which is where my family gets food from as well as all the other basic needs.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Last year and part of this year,I did not have any maize harvest.This was mainly attributed to a certain crop disease coupled with poor rainfall.Maize farming is what my family mainly depends on both for consumption and sale to raise money for school fees.This time was therefore the most difficult time for us because aside from looking for money to buy food,we also had to try to raise school fees for my child in secondary school.Since my spouse and I are not in any form of employment,we had to seek casual jobs and used the little we earned to meet all these needs; which was hardly enough.Our second harvest this year was however far much better.This is the biggest hardship I have faced.
