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 ($467 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The main goal that I developed after seeing the fruits of the transfers is raring of goats. My main vision is to invest in goats business and this has been portrayed by how I spent the second transfer. If I get money, I will add more goats and I am sure if all conditions remain constant as I planed then I will be an example in our area in this business and this will inspire more people to venture into it.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly is a good organization which I can recommend other organizations to emulate how organized and well structured it is. This organization has touched the hearts of many of us and uplifted our living conditions which were miserable. My opinion to this organization is to request if it is possible they increase the amount from KES 110000.00 to KES 200000.00. By doing so, we will have a wider range of activities to do.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon withdrawing the second transfer, I first bought a bed and a mattress for KES 10000.00. Thereafter, I decided to start a new investment of keeping goats. I used KES 40000.00 and buy 20 goats. I decided to venture into this business so that I can get some money from selling these goats to start paying dowry for my fiancée whom we are intending to marry.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($491 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was exactly 9:07 am when I was in my house preparing to go to the bush to prepare charcoal for sale. I heard a loud message alert on my phone, upon checking I realized that I had received my transfer from GiveDirectly. I felt extremely excited that morning since it was extraordinary to receive such kind of aid in my life. I thanked God for receiving my transfer which would transform my life for the better.
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 am no longer stressed up about how to get funds to support my education by paying for my certificate. I am currently happy that I possess my document which will enable me to stand a chance to get a good job. My desire has been to be a chaplain at a nearby secondary school. In addition, I can meet my daily needs especially food without much struggle. Previously, I could spent a whole day without food.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 20,000 to complete the payment of my education certificate. I had done a theology course 3 years ago but I have not been able to clear the fee balance to obtain my certification. For all those years, I have been living a stressful life since I could not secure a decent job. I also used KES 20,000 to restart my goat rearing by purchasing 5 goats. I had been doing this activity sometimes back but collapsed because I sold all the livestock to educate my 3 siblings. They had been left under my care after my parents passed away 10 years ago. With the remaining amount, I bought sufficient food for the family since we have been experiencing drought and famine for a year now in our area.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
It has been 8 months now since I completed my theology classes but I am yet to collect my certificate due to the fee balance of 20000 KES. This has forced me to remain as an ordinary person and I can not earn any commission from the church council. Receiving this money will mean realizing my dream as an apostle since I will be able to clear my fee arrears and collect the certificate. On the other hand, I intend to spend another 20000 KES to buy 5 goats that will act as my project. With the remaining amount, a big portion(50000 KES) will help me to pay dowry so as to get married and have a helper in my house. This will bring about happiness in my household, a wish that I have prayed for a long time.
What is the happiest part of your day?
At the age of 38 years, I get more ashamed to see myself doing some roles like cooking, fetching water, and firewood which are considered to be for women in our area. Performing these duties during the day usually makes me feel embarrassed and this pisses me off. In the evening, I usually feel relaxed since I get into my house and sleep. Hence, I consider the evening as the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Being the firstborn in our family of 5 siblings, I assumed the role of a guardian immediately after my parents passed away in the year 2012. This was the time I could plan for my future but I had to struggle to take care of my siblings. Up to date, I am yet to get married since I lack the money to pay as dowry. Hence, I consider financial instability as the biggest hardship that I have ever faced.
