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 ($468 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?
No. I do not have any new goals that I did not have before receiving my transfer. This is because I had planned to construct a decent shelter and own some livestock which will act as my future investment for the family. I was able to achieve all this with the help of the transfer.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, Givedirectly did well in conducting a community meeting for sensitization before the actual enrollment. This had allowed us to ask and receive answers to all the questions about the program. I do not see anything that it does not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 10,000 to purchase 4 goats. I had desired to restart my goat rearing which I had been doing but all the animals died due to the severe drought that strike our area towards the end of last year. I also bought a new mattress for KES 4000, I was using old sacks as beddings that were uncomfortable. In addition, I used KES 11,000 to support my grandchildren's educational needs by clearing their school fees. I spent the remaining amount to purchase sufficient food for the family since we are experiencing famine.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($487 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I felt so happy the moment I received the money because I had gotten what I needed to address the challenges I was facing as well as get the things that I desired to have, especially a mattress and the regular three meals a day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that we now have regular meals, especially breakfast every morning which indeed is improving our health. I am so happy that even when I look at myself, I admire my appearance compared to how I was before I started receiving money from GiveDirectly. I am so happy and grateful.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent most of my transfer which was KES 20000 on my grandchildren's school fees because I was, just like them, stranded as was no means of getting their school fees paid since they are raised by their mother, who is my daughter, without their father. Therefore, it is partly my responsibility as their grandmother to chip in with the little I have to get them a good education and it will be up to them to decide in the future whether they will remember me or forget about the help I gave them with their education. I also spent KES 10000 on buying iron sheets to improve the roof of my house because it was in a very poor state and was leaking whenever it rains. I used to desire to have it repaired but didn't have the means to get it done due to the lack of regular substantial income that could take care of that. Therefore, when I received the money from GiveDirectly, I was so happy that I am no longer worried about having to spend the whole night awake while being rained on, as well as having to be afraid of the health risks that are accompanied by being rained on and cold. I am so happy and grateful to GiveDirectly.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a better house for my family. This is because I am now living in a house that is not in good condition, the iron sheets are old and need replacement. I am planning to spend KES 40,000 on the renovation as well as buying one bed and a mattress. I will use KES 15,000 of the second transfer to buy five goats. As they multiply I will sell at a profit and address any emergency that will arise. The remaining amount will help me clear school fees for my granddaughter and other basic needs such as food and water.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening. My day begins at 6:00AM with the household chore.The leave for the my daily work of charcoal production where I spend the whole day and return home in the evening.This is when I get enough time to rest with my family and share meals together. Something that I really enjoy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have ever faced in my life is a lack of money. I am an old widow who is relying on charcoal production as a source of livelihood. The job is energy-draining and the return is very little. In a month I am able to make KES 1200 which is not sustainable for a family of three. Due to this, it has been difficult to save enough money because all the income goes to food and water. Sometimes I spend the whole day without food.
