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
53075 KES ($526 USD)
access_time almost 6 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 because I did not have a constant source of income and most of the time we used to stay hungry when we had no food which is not the case as at now. Had it not been for GiveDirectly I could have not built a permanent pit latrine because I worked only to feed my family and could not save enough for such project. I thank GIveDirectly for making my burden lighter and enabling me to have peaceful mind by sending me the transfers
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well in giving money to the poor and letting them to make their own choices on how to spend the money. Most lives have been changed and people who could not be recognized in the society through the transfers.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent my second transfer to plaster my floor which was Initially smeared with cow dung and would wear out few weeks after smearing making it look really bad. Smearing the floor every now and again had also become quite cumbersome for my wife who is now elderly and sickly. As a result of this easened her burden and also provided a long term solution of mending the floor often.
I also bought a bed and mattress because I did not have one and was sleeping on a mat which was uncomfortable and even shameful and could be easily be attacked by crawling insects at night. I am now happy that I can sleep comfortably and my bedroom also looks neat as compared to when we had an old mat without proper beddings. I also paid school fee for my daughter in secondary school who used to be sent home for fee arrears and would miss lessons. iI am at peace knowing that my daughter will stay in school and believes that her grades will also improve since she no longer misses her lessons.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($547 USD)
access_time over 6 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in daily my life is that my life style has changed. I am living a more comfortable life as compared to before.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Laughs.. The moment I received money from GiveDirectly,I was so confused given that I have never handled such amount of money in my entire life before. It was around 3 pm. I encouraged myself and calmed down and then showed my wife who was home.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my first transfer on buying bricks and other building materials that I want to use to build a permanent house. I am now aged and I will not have the energy to construct houses every now and then. This one will last me longer if not forever.
Enrolled
access_time over 6 years ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship that I face right now is lack of a sustainable source of income. I am just a casual worker and the income I get is hardly enough to cater for my family's basic needs and education.
This means that my family has to do without a lot of basic needs like nutritious food and quality education as they are often sent home from school due to my inability to pay school fees.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning when I am working in the farm. I love working with my hands and seeing the fruits of my labour during harvest time makes me very happy and proud.
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means that I will be able to build a better house for my family back at home. They live in a small cramped house which is very uncomfortable and this often leads to petty quarrels whenever they are all in the house, if I build a bigger house they may have some peace and even my children will be able to study at home without any distractions.
