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 ($466 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?
No new goals so far and am looking forward to achieving a lot from the ones that I accomplished. Having the daily cows has brought a positive impact on my life because of the numerous benefits. I have now been able to sell milk and generate income, also my children are now healthier because lately, they have been taking white tea.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
According to me, GiveDirectly is such a unique NGO and this is from how it is operating its services. The idea of offering support in form of cash transfer stood out. It has never happened before in any organization. Also being given the chance to choose what to buy was the best part of it. I however do not see any part that GiveDirectly needs a change.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying twenty-seven pieces, timber, and nails at a total of KES 31050. This was purposefully for the renovation of my house since the previous one had an old leaky roof. During the rainy seasons, it was so stressful. We used to seek shelter from our neighbors whose houses were very far from the village we lived in. Also, I boosted my retail shop business because it was almost collapsing because of inadequate capital. With the remaining amount of money, I bought foodstuffs for my family and nice clothes.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($497 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 at 7 am I was in my house brushing my teeth preparing for my day's activities. I heard my neighbors celebrating receiving their transfer. I called my helper to confirm on my phone if was among the lucky villagers. I felt very excited when he broke the good news that I had to received the transfer. I joined the other people in celebrating and thanking God for the opportunity to transform our lives for the better.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Owning a reliable source of income for my family is the biggest difference in my daily life. Through the transfer, I was able to start a small business selling flour in my house. I am currently empowered and earning a living that supports my family's daily needs. Gone are the days when I was struggling to feed my family of 3 members since my husband is old and unable to work because of his deteriorating health conditions.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 34,000 to purchase 2 local dairy cows. This is a reliable source of income for the family from the sale of milk. Similarly, it will assist me whoever they reproduce, I will be able to sell them to cater for any emergency. I also bought proper beddings since I was using sacks as beddings that were not comfortable to sleep on. In addition, I bought 2 pairs of clothes for every member of my family we were repeating the same clothes every day was the order of the day which was an unbearable situation. Furthermore, I bought a small solar lighting system for my daughter for KES 2000 previously she was using a paraffin lamp which was costly and risky. The remaining amount I invested in a small business selling flour in my house. I currently earn a profit of 150 per day which helps me to cater for other needs like food and water.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means getting food for my family. Being a grandmother of six children with no income makes it difficult to get our daily food which forces us to skip our meals most of the times. My two daughters who returned home after divorce are jobless and have their kids with me which makes it difficult to get food enough for all of us.This cash will help me buy one acre of land which cost around Ksh. 50,000 that will help me start subsistence farming. This will help me get more produce for consumption and for sale.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of my day is in the evening. This is because during this time, I get time to tell stories with my grandchildren which reduces stress from the struggles of the day. It is also at this time that my husband who is mentally challenged rest and this relieves me of the stresses of the day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial instability is my biggest hardship. Being an old woman with no strength to engage in economic activities, makes it difficult to afford food for my family. My husband is mentally challenged and cannot engage in any economic activities.
