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?
I do not have any new goals because I was able to purchase the three cows that I had desired to own. Currently, two cows have started producing milk in large quantities. My family is now enjoying taking white tea every morning. I can't thank the organization enough because I have been getting income from the sale of the remaining liters in the dairy shops
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly has done well by giving out transfers without any restrictions. This has empowered us to improve the living standards of the poorest households in my entire village. We now have pleasant houses, livestock, and new business. I, therefore, do not see any sector that GiveDirecty failing.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on clearing my college fees KES 4000. A few months ago I enrolled in a beauty and therapy course in town. The money came in good time became it has enabled me to study without any hindrances. Also, I cleared the school fee of KES 5000 for my son who is in primary school. Their exams were fast approaching and I had the fear that he would miss them as usual. In addition, I bought decent clothing and decent shoes for my son. The current ones were not in good condition. To add to that I bought a television and foodstuffs for my family.
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?
On this particular day, I was visiting my brother. At noon, while chatting with him, I received a message notification informing me that I had received KES 55,000. I was so happy and excited to finally start my own business.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before receiving this transfer, my family's financial situation was strained. As a beautician, I earn KES 200 only, on a good day. This amount is not enough to cater for my family's needs including food, clothing and education. This has caused a lot of stress in my life. It's why I was overjoyed when I received the transfer from GiveDirectly. I purchased dairy cows that supply my family with milk. We can save the KES 50 we would spend on buying milk every day. Instead, we can sell some of the surplus at KES 50 a litre. I also set up a grocery business that has provided me with a source of income. I can now meet my family's needs, and this makes me so happy.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I work as a beautician, where I earn KES 200 a day when business is good. This amount, however, is not enough to sustain the needs of my family including food, clothing and education. So I was pleased to receive this transfer. I spent KES 30,000 on the acquisition of three dairy cows that can supply my family with milk. Additionally, I spent KES 5,000 on paying school fees for my daughter. Lastly, I spent KES 19,000 on setting up my grocery business. With this, I can earn enough money to provide for the basic needs of my family.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means getting a job. I am a single woman with a family to take of. However, due to lack of jobs in the village makes it difficult to meet the basic needs of my two children. Over the years, I have been surviving through casual jobs which are not reliable to sustain my basic needs since I earn less than $20 a day. I intend to use the first transfer to start a grocery business in my village that will cost around $100. I will then use the remaining amount for food and other basic needs. I will also use the second transfer to buy dairy cows to help me supply milk in my village that will also be an income generating activity for my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is the happiest part of my day. This is because, at this time, I come home from hustles of the day and at least I have something for my family to eat. Getting a meal and having time to see my children at this time brings joy to my life. Seeing my children eating at this time also brings joy and gives me strength to work hard to get them food.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Unemployment is the biggest hardship that I have ever faced. Having been divorced by my husband makes it even worse since I have children to take of and at the same time I have no source of a stable income that will help me meet the basic needs of my family. I have not been able to go through school due to financial constraints. This makes it difficult to get a better job. The casual jobs I have been surviving on, are not reliable and sometimes we are forced to go without food.
