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 ($515 USD)
access_time 4 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 from how it was in that, I have a cow and my business has expanded using the transfer. Were it not for GiveDirectly, I do not think if I could have ever reached here. Maybe my business could have collapsed.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly has changed our lives. Our living standards have improved in that, we own assets that we did not have. People in our village have built houses and bought livestock that is normally tressured in our community.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent part of my second transfer on paying fees for my brother who joined college. I did my best to see my brother's success since I also appreciated the effort that my parents made of selling land and as a result graduated in 2016. I also bought iron sheets which I am yet to use in building my house. Apart from that, I bought a heifer. This is our first one and we feel proud to own such an asset.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($545 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
I have a lovely wife who has always been devoted to taking care of my family despite the meager wage she gets from teaching in a nearby school. Four years after graduating, I wasn't lucky to get a white-collar job. As the head of the house at times I would feel embarrassed of my incapability to provide for my family when there was an emergency. This situation forced my wife to do extra just to make sure our family was okay. I am thankful to GiveDirectly for empowering me because I have stocked my small retail shop business which was at the verge of collapsing due to inadequate capital. Today , I can help out in providing for my family. Secondly, we have built a kitchen , therefore, we will no longer get embarrassed like before.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received money from GiveDirectly I felt very happy the smile which was lost four years ago was revived again . I has taught me to believe the saying that says money is always a source of happiness .
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent 18,000 KES of my first transfer to restock my small retail shop business in my village which is near an academy . I am glad that I have regained the confidence of helping out in the provision of my family's needs. The remaining amount I built a kitchen hence we longer get exposed to smoke mostly at night when we are all in the house like before . I also bought clothes for my family and myself .
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
One month down the line I would have built a kitchen worth $160 and spend another $100 towards completion of my main house. I am also planning to revive a shop business that collapsed thanks to over dependency. This is going to cost $200 while an investment in a dairy cow will cost me another $300. These are income generating activities that will supplement my wife's teaching salary to sustain our household needs. This is also going to secure a good academic foundation for our children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My wife is an employed teacher on contract at a local secondary school. She supports our family from the dues she gets since I do not have a job yet. The happiest part of my day is in the evening when she comes home from school. This is because she comes with food to sustain our family for a few more days.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My parents sold land to take me to school. I hold a bachelor's degree in Statistics but I still do not have a job. What is left is a small piece of land that is not productive enough to feed my family and my other siblings under my mother's care. My worry is that my siblings are going to drop out of school before I can get a job to support my mother's relentless efforts to educate them. This is the happiest part of my day.
