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 ($493 USD)
access_time almost 3 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 than it would have been if I never received my transfer in that I was able to construct a modern iron-roofed house for the family. Previously, the house that we had was very small, covered by polythene paper as the roofing material. The rain was pouring directly to us and we were spending sleepless nights during the rainy season.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, I thank GiveDirectly for the transfer which has enabled me to own a proper shelter. Something that I couldn't have achieved if not for the aid.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my second transfer to complete the construction of my house by paying labour charges for putting up a roof for the house. In addition, I also constructed a house for my son who was seeking refuge from my neighbours. Similarly, I also bought proper beddings for the family this is because previously we usi sleeping on the floor using old sacks as beddings.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($494 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received a notification in my phone in the morning when I was on my way to my farm. When I checked the message, I smiled at my phone, not believing what I just read. I had received KES 55000 from GiveDirectly. I felt happy because I was certain my life will never be the same again having received this financial help.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have been able to build a new iron roofed. I was previously sheltering in grass thatched house with no hopes of upgrading to a better one. Had I not received this money, I would still be sheltering in my old hut. In addition to this, I am also sleeping on a new bed and a mattress after replacing them through the transfer. I would still be using the rags of used clothes and old mats were it not for this transfer from GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent a bigger portion of my transfer on buying building materials such as iron sheets, building poles and nails to construct a new house. My previous house was in a bad state. It was full of cracks, grass thatched and whenever it rained, I was in trouble. I had to seek shelter from neighbours. I am happy that through this transfer, I have managed to build a new iron roofed house. In addition to this, I also bought a new bed and a mattress. I was sleeping on rags and used mats which was not comfortable at all. Currently I can afford to sleep comfortably on my new beddings. I spent the remaining amount to buy some foodstuffs and other household items.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have never been able to own a better house of my dream because of the difficulties I face in my life say, financial instability. This has forced me to live in a small house which is at the same time, it is used as a granary and a kitchen. Receiving this money means changing my livelihood to a better standard since my plan is to construct a spacious iron-roofed house for my family and I will spend my first transfer to do this. On the other hand, I plan to spend $350 to buy oxen plus an ox plough in order to expand my farming. This will mean food security for my family and hence, a better living.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My day is fully occupied with the strenuous daily work of making charcoal and this means spending the better part of morning and afternoon hours mostly in the bush. I only come home in the evening when I am totally exhausted but again, it is at this time when I get time to relax and see my children after a long day. This gives me the feeling of happiness and hence, making the evening being the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Charcoal burning is the only source of income that I have depended on, a job that is very strenuous and energy draining. Imagine after spending a whole month of preparing 5 sacks of charcoal and only to sell them at $5 per sack! It is a very little income that is hardly enough to cater to my family's basic needs and this has forced us to skip meals in some days. Therefore, the lack of a reliable source of income is the biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life.
