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 almost 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 if I had never received my transfer in that, I was able to start my own small business of buying and selling firewood. This job earns me an income of 2 to 3dollars per day which assists me in taking care of small daily needs like sugar and water. Also, I am now living in a comfortable house with my children after constructing two houses. In addition, my kid is learning without being interrupted due to lack of school fees.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly has done well in sending me the cash transfer that has improved my living standard. I was able to construct a decent shelter for myself and my children. I just thank the organization and I don't see anything that it does not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $200 of my second transfer to clear school fees for my child who is in form 2. I also bought 22 iron sheets, timber and nails this was for the construction of a house for my children this is because his house was leaking due to the old and rusty iron roof. I also bought a solar to light my house, previously,I was using a paraffin lamp which is costly due to the constant need to purchase paraffin.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($494 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at the farm early in the morning, when I heard a message notification in my phone. On checking the message, it was the Mpesa message for the transfers. I was very happy as I knew that I could now own a new house as the current house that we live in, is almost collapsing.
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 can now have a new house as the current house that we are living in is almost collapsing. I had never imagined that I would get money anytime soon to build a house. I was very happy.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfers to build a house, to purchase two plastic chairs, and to buy food for my children. I have 6 children and we have been living in a one-roomed old house that is beginning to collapse. I work at people's farms for pay, while my husband works at construction sites on casual basis. Whatever we earn is only sufficient to feed the kidz and at times we even struggle to afford meals. I had never imagined that we would get another house anytime soon. I was very happy when I received the transfers as we can now get a new house.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My house is old and in a bad condition. The roof leaks and a few renovations needed. I have budgeted 200 USD to cater for all this. I will then use another 200 USD to start rearing goats. I want to start with around 8 goats. I prefer goat rearing because they multiply very fast. This will help me meet a lot of needs within a short time when I sell a few of them.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Waking up healthy and strong is enough to put a smile on my face. Morning is therefore the happiest part of my day. A good morning will enable me go to my farm early enough after doing the house chores. A farmer always needs that energy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial constraints is my biggest hardship. I have six children and raising them has been an uphill task. This is because my two sources of income ;farming and casual jobs earn me very little. Farm produce is very little due to the climatic conditions while casual jobs are hard to find. I am a second wife and therefore getting full support from my husband is not possible.
