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 ($493 USD)
access_time over 3 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 than it would have been if I never received my transfer in that, through the transfer, I was able to improve my house condition by building pillars and floor so that it may be stronger to withstand heavy rains. I was also able to start livestock rearing a reliable source of income for my family. Back in the days, I was a house helper a job that earns me 1.5 dollars per day which is hardly enough income to fully cater for my family needs like food and proper shelter.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in conducting training to inform us how best to utilize our transfer to improve our living standard. Also, whenever they come to our village they inform us first through our village leaders.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have wished to start livestock rearing especially goats as my reliable source of income for my family. In addition, whenever I face any financial crisis I will be able to sell some to cater for such emergency .I spent my second transfer to purchase 6 goats at $50 each. With the remaining amount I used part to hire ox-plough to assist me in tilling my farm before planting. The other part assisted me in buying household utensils including water jerrican and one tank so that I may store enough water for my family, I also bought enough food for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($494 USD)
access_time almost 4 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received a notification in my phone and before I could read the whole of it, I felt happy because it was a mpesa message. I was even happier after reading the contents that I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. I thanked them for fulfilling their promise to us.
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 been able to renovate my old house which was temporary to a permanent one. It was built with mud and my desire was to rebuild it and also put a nice floor. I almost gave up due to lack of enough financial resources to accomplish this. However, when I received the transfer, I managed to buy building materials which including blocks, sand and cement to plaster it as well as putting a floor. It looks stable,nice and decent, courtesy of GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My old house was temporarily built with mud and my aspiration was to rebuilt it for it to be more permanent. I could not fulfil this at my own cost. However, when I received the transfer, I committed it on buying building materials which include blocks, cement and sand in order to renovate my house. It now looks decent and stable unlike before because I plastered it as well as putting a floor. In addition to this, I also paid for the labour involved. I thank GiveDirectly for helping me achieve this dream.
Enrolled
access_time 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I did a course in dress making and I already have a sewing machine but I have not been able to make much out of it because of lack of capital. This money will come as a big boost since I will be able to buy clothing material that will help me design dresses and school uniform for sale. This will be a good source of income for me here in the village. 100 USD will set me off well. I will then use part of the transfer to buy 2 goats each at 40 USD and two oxen to help me plough land and get money within my village.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am always happy in the morning because I believe this is what will make my day a good one. I spend most of the time in my compound doing house chores like cleaning utensils,washing clothes and fetching water.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I completed my dress making course in 2015 and since then I have not been able to reap any benefits from it. This is because I have not found any employment and I have also lacked capital to start my own business. I worked as a house maid in 2017 to raise money to buy a sewing machine but I could not save enough since I was paid little ;40 USD per month. I developed Tuberculosis ,forcing me out of work after only one year and the savings I had went into paying for the medical bills. I was under medication for six months. It has been a very difficult journey for me since I completed my studies. I depend on my husband who is a casual labourer who really struggles. Recently he bought me a sewing machine and I have hope that things will soon turn better.
