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?
After receiving the first and the second transfer, I am glad that I was able to accomplish all that I had planned for. At the moment I have a new goal to construct a small shop within the compound with the hope of establishing a small retail business that meets only the needs of my immediate neighbors. The project has not started yet since I am still anticipating my two children to complete their secondary studies so that I can divert the savings I had been making to the construction work.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
It was a great blessing having GiveDirectly visit and support our village right from the first to the last transfer. In my opinion, this initiative gave a new face to every household and more so the whole village. we were given a chance to listen to and decide whether to receive and spend the transfer independently without any push but ensuring that they change our lives or not. The fact that the support was only limited to the two transfers made every household spend wisely following the teachings we had received during enrollment stages.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After a huge investment of the first transfer on the construction of a new house for my family of four, I was left with a lot to accomplish in interior furnishing. The second transfer has been of great help in the same as I had been able to spend KES 34000 on the purchase and fixing of a ceiling board, applied paints on the walls, fixed new windows, fascia boards, and also obtained new pieces of lighting pieces of equipment. I also paid KES 10000 school fees for the two children and used the remaining KES 6800 on the purchase of the household foodstuff.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($495 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received the transfer I felt so happy. I remember it was around 9 am. I was taking my breakfast when I heard a message tone from my phone. I called my daughter to check it for me. She said that it was a message confirming that I have received money from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy because I have never received such amount of money before. My children were so happy and grateful for the support. I knew I would be able to build a better house for my family.
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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 have build a better house for my family. We used to live in a small house which could not host all my family members comfortably. I had always wished to own a better house but I didn't had the money. I depend on casual jobs and small scale farming. The amount of money that I get through this is so small and I was not able to save. Whenever I had visitors and relative there was not space to host them. Currently I have a decent and spacious house. I no longer get worried on where to host my relatives and friends when they visit me. There is privacy because enough rooms. GiveDirectly has changed our living standards. We live peacefully and our self esteem has been boosted.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent the money I received from GiveDirectly to build a better and spacious house for my family. We used to live in a small house which could not host all my family members comfortably. I had always wished to own a better house but I didn't had the money. I paid school fees for my two children in secondary school. They were so happy and they study well without being sent home. The rest of the money I bought food and clothes. I am so grateful for support because GiveDirectly has changed our living standards.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means better Education for my children. Am an elderly woman with two children in secondary school, paying fees as been a challenge for me since I only depend on farming and recently lack of enough Rains has affected production hence no income. I will spend ksh 50,000 on paying school fees and clearing remaining fee balance. The remaining amount I will buy a Dairy cow Worth ksh 30,000, foodstuffs and furniture for my house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is in the evening, this is the time I get a chance to rest after my daily chores like farming and household duties. Am also happy since I have met my daily work target.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food shortage has been my biggest hardship, lack of enough rainfall in the area has affected production of maize and Beans and since I rely on subsistence farming I harvest less or no production a time's.
