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.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After I received the money, my instant concern was making sure that I managed to scrap up a meal for my family especially considering that we barely had any meals. I work as a Mason and the wages I earn at times are not enough to cater for the needs that my family have and want. So that is when upon acquiring the funds I went ahead and bought a bag of maize flour that contained a dozen Packets for KES 1,500. I remained with a balance of KES 1,500 where I used KES 500 to buy beans, cabbage and potatoes and as for what was left I used KES 600 to purchase drinking water since our village experienced scarcity. I remained with KES 400 where I used KES 200 and bought a kilogram of sugar, bread and tea leaves meanwhile using the balance left to buy laundry detergent and body lotion.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Give directly does very well through these projects that focus on improving our lives
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a part-time farmer, during the droughts, I was not making much so providing for my family was a challenge as construction handyman jobs were not easy to come by. Now that I am availed of this opportunity, I want to make sure I improve myself. So, when I received my 2 transfers, I used ksh2000 on the food budget, ksh2000 to clear my children's school fee arrears, and ksh2000 to purchase 10 chickens.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received the text message at 9 am. I was at my place of work. While there a friend of mine narrated to me that he had received his transfer from GiveDirectly. I quickly went ahead and got my phone from the charging shop and checked the phone. I was very happy to confirm that I had received the transfer.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The money has made a big difference in my life. My siblings are currently in school because of the transfer. I was able to add some food stock using the money. I am grateful for that and the transfer has really helped me.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent the money from the transfer in buying food. Currently I have no job. I am living a life of hand to mouth. Buying the food was very necessary for me, because I did not have any food in my house. I also spent a portion of the money in paying school fees for my brothers and sisters who are in school. Since I am their elder brother I have the responsibility of ensuring that my younger siblings go to school and get the best education they deserve. I spent the rest amount of the money in buying house hold items such as water, detergents and other small items.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My five kids are now grown and as their parent. We no longer have privacy since our house is only two rooms big. I had a plan to had two room for the kids but financial instability has been the biggest challenge. I am looking forward to commit the first one year to saving towards completion of this project.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Being able to put food on the table at the end of the day and dining with my family is what brings joy in my heart every day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have accumulated huge debt since I have been borrowing a lot to provide for my family because it has become hard to get a job.
