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 ($492 USD)
access_time over 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 how it would have been if I never received the transfers in that I have build a better house for my sons. They used to live in a small grass thatched house which was almost falling apart. The house was so old and leaking from inside. When I received the second transfer I found it wise to build them a better house. They are so happy because they have their own rooms where they can do assignment without any disturbance. They no longer have fear because the house is strong. GiveDirectly has changed our living standard. We are so grateful for the support. Were it not GiveDirectly this could not have happened.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion GiveDirectly does well by giving money to the poor in the community to build better houses and to buy dairy cows. I do not find anything that GiveDirectly did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spend part of the money I received from GiveDirectly on building a better house for my sons. They used to live in a grass thatched house which was almost falling apart. I also paid school fees for my children in various schools. Finally I plough my farm and bought seeds and fertilizers. The crops that I planted is almost ready for harvest. I am so happy because GiveDirectly has changed our living standard.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($494 USD)
access_time almost 4 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was preparing breakfast for my school going children. When the message beeped, I checked and it was the transfer. I jumped up and down in jubilation with my children who were there with me. I then stayed for about 3 days before withdrawing the cash since I knew the places we withdraw cash would be crowded.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My children used to sleep in a leaking grass thatched house. I have built them a bigger house with an iron roof and planning to build my own house. The least of my expectations in life was having an iron roof house at this time since the little money we get from daily hustles is channelled to food and school fees. Thank you GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I paid off a debt to someone who I had taken their heifer and built a house. I also bought 2 bags of maize for food and clothes for my household members.
Enrolled
access_time 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means that I will be able to construct a spacious and durable house. Currently, I live in a grass thatched house that is uncomfortable living in during rainy season as water seeps inside. Thanks to this transfer, I will have an iron roofed house at a cost of 300USD. Additionally, I intend to use 150USD to buy a dairy cattle that is on weaning process to supplement my family with milk in seasons to come. Lastly, I will use the remaining amount at my disposal to embark on agricultural farming of maize and sweet potatoes on an arable piece of land that I have.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Most of my day time is spent on my farm and this is after I am done with all the household chores. I normally engage with all the farm activities like weeding, transplanting, tilling and watering of maize and sweet potatoes. My happiest part of the day is in the evening when I have a good harvest for sale hence more returns.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I mostly rely on farming of maize and sweet potatoes on my one acre piece of land to cater for the basic needs of my family. The returns I get from the sale of these produce is hardly enough to sustain all of us especially on matters to do with school fees. I have five kids who are still schooling and so clearing their school fees sometimes forces me into selling the available livestock. This has been the biggest hardship I have ever experienced.
