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 ($526 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life has changed a lot because right now I have my own motorbike and I do not have to work for someone, I have a lot of freedom because I have my own freedom apart from pocketing every coin that I make on a day to day basis.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion I think GD has been so helpful to the needy who have been living below the poverty line for most of their lives. I can say that I am good example of the people who have tremendously changed their lives considering how much I used to strain working as someones employee before I finally got to purchase my own cycle and became self-employed.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I used the money to buy a motorcycle which I have been using to carry out motorcycle business within our locality. I normally use it to ferry passengers at a fee and that is how I earn my daily bread. Initially I used to work for someone and we had an agreement that i had to give daily returns of 200 KES. Currently I get to pocket everything which is a positive progress and this money has kept my family going ever since.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($537 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is owning a dairy cow because I had none. I am now certain of getting milk very soon and this simply means that, I will not be using 50 KES to buy milk every day which is a norm currently.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 5 am when I received a message on my phone. I read it and on realizing that it was from GiveDirectly, I felt good because I knew that I would accomplish my goals. The next thing that I did was to wake my wife up who was also happy upon receiving the good news. we decided to sit down later on in the day to draw our budget.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
Spending 50 KES to buy milk every day was expensive but I had no option and so when I received my transfer, a larger portion of it went towards purchasing a dairy cow. I am now certain that very soon I will not have to spend 50KES daily to buy milk but use it for something else. I also bought a television for watching news and entertainment for my children who I had strictly instructed not to go at their grandfather's place late at night for the purpose of watching television. Part of the money went on purchasing a solar lantern since the other one was not effective especially when the sun was not enough. The remaining amount went on planting one acre of sugar cane because I believe that I will get money for school fees and other needs after the harvest.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a sigh of hope to me and my entire family. I shall spend the money on supporting my family through provision of basic needs such as food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening after job. I feel more happy whenever I relax at home in the evening with my family members.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I face is difficulty in fending for my growing family. I and my wife are jobless and we only rely on casual jobs which are not well rewarding.
