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 ($442 USD)
access_time over 1 year 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 a new goal in that I am yet to complete the construction of the new house that I started using the first transfer. Secondly, I still have children in school and my priority is to ensure that I pay their school fees to enable them to study well without being sent home.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly does a very perfect job in that they are giving out the transfer to the poor in the community to improve their living standard. Most of the people have built better houses, some have started a business and they are doing so well. I do not find anything that GiveDirectly did not do well since the training was well done.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 20,000 on purchasing materials to continue building the new house that I started to construct using the first transfer. The construction is almost done and we will soon move in with my family. We lived in a small house before that could not host all my family well. I spent KES 10,000 on school fees for my son who is in the university. He is studying well now without any struggle and I am so grateful for that. Besides that, I spent KES 5,000 on plowing my plant and purchasing seeds. Looking forward to getting a good harvest since I was able to plant at the right season. The remaining amount of money I spent on food and household basic needs of my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($476 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was on Wednesday morning when received a message from Givedirectly which was bearing the good news of my first transfer. Since I had all the plans in place, I went and withdrew the money that early morning ready to initiate the plans I had.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Though I had a lot of things that I needed with my first transfer, settling school fees for my son at University was on top of my to-do list. This has given my son a good time to study without the thought of missing out especially during exams time.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After several instances of my son studying in school without doing his final semester exams, my priority was to clear the arrears of KES 15,000. I am grateful that he is now having ample time to study for his final examination. I also bought timber worth KES 25000 which was used to finish up a three-bedroomed house that we had already built before Givedirectly came in. We were wondering how we would finish up the house since we had financial challenges to meet all our family needs. With the remaining amount, I obtained foodstuff and clothing for my entire six household members.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money will mean a better education for my children. I have a family of 9 children and 6 of them are now in school. Recently I started a business of buying and selling milk within the village. The business generates an average of KES150 per day. We consume this amount in purchasing food in the house, which in the end becomes a daily routine. My burden is the huge school fees balance of KES80,000 both secondary and University level. I am happy today that we shall be able to clear this and have my children continue with their studies comfortably. In regards to this transfers from Givedirectly, I have a plan to clear the school fees balance and increase the stock of food with the remaining amount.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Three months ago, i was able to think of a small business and what came from my mind is milk supply. I started selling only a litre but the business have grown to an extend that I sell 5 litres per day. I am happy that the business is still yet to expand more. Out of this vendor, we can afford to buy food which also bring joy to the family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The maim challenge we are currently facing is lack of a stable income. It is through this situations that the school fees accrued. We manage to take our two children to university through a fund drive which was done in the community. I have been also pleading with the school principal to give me more time to offset the balance. Nonetheless today I feel enthusiastic about this program of Givedirectly and that I see the light at the of the tunnel.
