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
55000 KES ($445 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My short-term goal is to open a grocery shop. I am a farmer and the produce I make has always been for domestic purposes but if I have to do it commercially I will have to add more produce, water, and fertilizers
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly staff are polite and ensure questions are asked. I also like receiving calls from them because they ensure that the money intended for us has been received with no problem.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Before the transfer, I lived with my four children in a tiny room, The room was uncomfortable. I am a stay-at-home mother and I only farm for domestic purposes on my husband's farm. My husband is the breadwinner and he takes care of the children's school fees. Receiving this transfer has enabled me to build two rooms for my four children which cost $210, paid school fees at $210, and used the rest for food.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($452 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was at home under my shade relaxing after completing my morning chores. I had completed eating my lunch. It was around 2 pm when I received the message alert on my phone. Since I am illiterate, I had to wait for my spouse who was also the helper to check the message for me. Upon arrival, I handed over the phone to him, We were very excited when he confirmed and realized that it was the transfers from GiveDirectly. I was very sure that through the cash aid our financial problems will finally be solved.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference is that I am now living without any worries about the education of my 3 daughters. Being enrolled in the program and the day I started receiving the transfers I felt relieved of all the stresses. Nowadays, I afford to keep them in school unlike before when they were always missing classes due to fee arrears. This is because my husband is sick and no longer allowed to engage in his casual activities. Additionally, we are able to meet our daily food requirements and no longer have to sleep without food.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $255 of the recent transfer to purchase proper modern bedding for the family. Previously, we were sleeping on the floor with mats as bedding. Despite my partner being under the treatment for tuberculosis due to the constant exposure to dust, we were still forced to spend our nights on the ground. Also, I used $69 to support the education of my 3 daughters who are both in secondary and primary school. They had huge fees balance which was making them to stay at home for 2 weeks. This was disturbing to me since my husband is no longer economically active due to his health conditions. In addition, I used $40 to boost my goat rearing by purchasing one additional goat. This is a future investment that will support me whenever I encounter any financial constraints. Similarly, I will sell them to support the education of our daughters when they multiply. With the remaining amount, I bought enough food for the family due to the high cost of food and the famine that we are experiencing in our area.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Getting this first transfer will enable us get proper medication for my husband, we have a debt at a local clinic where he was treated; and every month he needs at least 3000Ksh for travel expenses and even to buy other special foods recommended by physiotherapist.
Now we will be able to pay school fees for my children who one is in highschool and the the 2 in primary school(class 5 and class 3).they all need at least 20000ksh.
The rest of the money we will be used to budget food, and save the rest.
What is the happiest part of your day?
We received visitors who came to see my husband, because he hasn't been working neighbors organised some shopping that has gone a long way to help us overcome this trying period.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Our family is financially unstable, we have been depending on my husband who was working as a butcher man in Mombasa. Unfortunately he was involved in an accident 4 years ago, and our lives changed overnight now I have to burn charcoal and sell in order to sustain my family.
The money I get from the small business bis never enough because I have to stand in for his medication, pay school fees, buy food and support any emergencies that require cash.
