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
55000 KES ($436 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the coming year, I intend to renovate my house by putting a floor on the ground and plastering the walls. This is because the walls have many holes that are hiding grounds for insects like cockroaches. Also achieving this will protect the walls from being brought down by rain making my house long-lasting.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in enrolling and helping us through the cash transfer programme. This has resulted in a lot of transformation in our village. With cash transfers, each household had the right to determine how to change their life for the better. I think unconditional cash transfers are the best option to fight poverty. I feel every process was well elaborate and there is nothing the organization need to improve.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Owning a decent kitchen has always been my dream in life. This is because I was using a small structure that was leaking. Additionally, the roof was almost open and about crumpled down. Most of the time our food was contaminated by sand during preparation. I spent the recent transfer to construct a decent kitchen for myself. Currently, I am happy to cook in a safe and nice place unlike before. In addition, I bought new modern bedding for $210. Previously, I was sleeping on an old traditional thread-twisted bed that was requiring constant replacement through purchasing of new rope. Moreover, I spent $120 to purchase a solar lighting system for my house. Earlier, I did not have a lamp to light my house. I had to ignite the fire to provide the needed light at night. Lastly, I used $30 to pay school fees for the 2 grandchildren who are still in primary school.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($467 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 8 am while I was still in bed when I heard my helper calling me while knocking on my door. Upon opening the door, in happiness forgetting that I do not know how to read, she showed me a message on my phone which she usually keeps it. when I enquired what the message was all about, she informed me that I had received the first transfer from GiveDirectly. My heart was filled with joy to an extent of jumping up and down celebrating the transfer.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Initially, my living condition was not pleasing. I was fending from hand to mouth since I had no defined source of income. At some point, I could stay up to two days without getting some food but as of now, I am thankful for the aid I received from GiveDirectly. I am now assured of some daily food not as before.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received and withdrew the money, I bought 20 pieces of iron sheets for KES 18000.00. I did this intending to stabilize it by constructing some pillars. I also bought a bed and a mattress for KES 10000.00 because I did not have a bed. Apart from that, I bought a small solar panel for KES 8000.00. this panel has greatly helped me and my family by providing some light as well as reducing the cost of buying paraffin. since my two grandchildren were at home due to school fees and bought school uniforms. For the remaining amount, I bought enough food for the family.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
The first goal that is a priority to me when I receive the transfers is to give renovate and furnish my house. This is because Last year in October I attended a wedding of the daughter of my relative and got impressed by the house of the bride's parents which was attractive. I am planning to use the money for plastering and buy furnished as well as bedding which is going to cost KES 60000. I will spend the remaining amount to purchase 5 indigenous goats which do well in our area due to the long dry dry spell experienced in our area. As the goats increase, I will sell at a proceed and save for future use. The remaining amount will help with other basic needs such as food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The coming of GiveDirectly to my household has brought me joy and happiness because the donation will give me the power to achieve my ambition of living in a decent house. Besides, it is a dream come true since I did not think that I will fulfill it after the death of my husband. It has indeed lit my heart and uplifted my spirit.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The main economic activity that I am relying on is selling firewood which is not sustainable. The work fetching them is cumbersome thus I have skipped the number of days so that I rest. In a week I make KES 600, while my household of 3 members needs KES 350 per. Due to this, I find it hard to put food on the table. Sometimes I have to seek help from relatives which is embarrassing. Therefore, Food insecurity is the main challenge that I am currently facing.
