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 ($493 USD)
access_time almost 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 from how it would have been in so many ways ever since GiveDirectly came into my life. First, I am now in a position to take at least two meals in a day, unlike before whereby I used to take a single meal or go without. This has made me a happy parent especially when I see my children glow and becoming healthier. They used to be malnutrition because they couldn't get enough nutritious meals. Also through the transfers, I managed to pay the school fees for my children and they are now studying comfortably since some had opted to drop out of school because of the huge fees balance.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirecty does well in everything becasue everyone was sent his or her money directly to his phone. Also, the fact that the organization gave us phones for those who never had one was the best because some of us never had the chance of owning one, and if it were not for the GiveDirectly we wouldn't have them. In my village everyone says will live to remember GD.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying bricks, bags of cement, and sand. This was to renovate my semi-permanent house which has cracked walls. I also gave the mason KES 10000 as his labor charge. Later on, I paid school fees for my two children who are both in secondary schools. They had resumed school from the long holiday and I am glad they are studying comfortably. I also bought enough foodstuffs for my family and some other household items.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($500 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 2 Pm when I was at the farm when I was preparing my farm for the coming planting season. Then I heard my phone ringing so loudly without wasting time I decided to check who it could be. On checking, I realized that it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy for I knew I would finally accomplish my long time goals.
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 managed to clear the school fees arrears for my children. They have been sent home several times to collect school fees and due to my low income and unstable job, they could stay home even for weeks as I was still looking for the money to clear the balances. This was really frustrating because I was failing my children which wasn't my fault. They could sometimes miss classes and even exams and this was really affecting their academic performance. I am now hopeful and happier because ever since I received my first transfer all is well now because they are now studying without any disturbances as before. This is promising that their future is bright together with their generation.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfers on paying school fees for my children who are in secondary school. This has been frustrating me for quite a long time becasue they have been sent home every now and then to collect fees. Also, I bought some building materials such as bricks, sand, and cement. This was for the renovation of my house since it was almost collapsing because of the weak walls. With the remaing amount of money, I bought enough foodstuffs for my family and some decent clothes
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
To me receiving this money means another chance again in life. I am growing old and need what do rely on without much struggle. I have been relying on subsistence farming and I have lived to admire livestock keeping a dream that I have never realized due to scare resources. I am planning to spend part of the transfer on livestock since once I have them I will have milk for both household consumption and sales for an extra income. I will keep the offspring so I can sell to meet other financial needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Relaxing in the evening with my family makes it my happiest part of the day. I feel good when I seat with my family reflect back on the day's activities and how successful the day has been. This is the time I also bond with my family as we share our supper.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am an education lover an idea that I had wish to have gone through unfortunately our time couldn't allow us. I have since transferred my wish to my eight out of my nine children. The biggest hardship I have faced in my life is lack of enough resources to support my family needs. I have struggled with the little I had to educate my children and even though I am happy the are better in the society, unfortunately I still live in poverty.
