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 ($526 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Without GiveDirectly, I would not have managed to build this house. I now live in a better house compared to my previous one. I am in a good status now that I have a bigger house. I used to live in a small mud-walled house. The grass-thatched was already weak and it leaked sometimes during heavy rains. I was never in peace because I always feared it could collapse at any time.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, Givedireclty did treat everyone in the village fairly. I liked their criteria of considering everyone regardless of their different economic statuses.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent a larger portion of my second transfer on constructing a house. The money helped purchase enough building materials such as timber and iron sheets. My previous house used to be small. It was a one-roomed house that doubled up as a chicken and a living room. I have put up a three-roomed timber walled house. I have also bought a goat that came with its lamb. I decided to keep the goat for its thick and sweet milk. This will supply my family with nutritious milk for consumption.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($545 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
I have always longed to construct a decent house for my family because the one I lived in was very small and indecent. Also, my son didn't have enough space to sleep and so I was forced to secure a place for him from one of my immediate neighbours. Due to financial constraints, I could manage. to do so. When I received transfers, this was top on my list. I managed to buy building materials which include iron sheets, nails, poles and timber for this purpose. Currently, I am so happy because I have enough space to host my visitors as well as a safe place for my son to sleep.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 6: 30am and just woken ready to begin my daily chores when I received a message on my phone. On checking it, I was overjoyed after finding out that it was the transfers that we were promised that were sent. I was now convinced that my dream of having a decent home is going to be fulfilled.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my first transfers to purchase some construction materials for my house construction and also bought some two goats for rearing
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My dignity and self esteem declines every time I host guests in my single roomed house. I cannot put much seats in there because of the remaining small space. Receiving this money is an opportunity for me to redeem my pride by constructing a new house for my family. I expect to part with more than $600 for a semi permanent plywood house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
For a corn weeding season like this, having my children at home after they closed school for holiday makes my work easier thanks to combined efforts. Besides, I have more time to bond with them during this period -which makes me happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Imagine seeing your talent come to a halt because of sickness. For the last one decade until a few years ago I was a renowned artist in Kapoleseroi and its environs. Most of my work involved decorating people's houses, furniture and painting sign posts for institutions especially schools and churches. I gave up my talent last year due to headaches and allergic reaction to paint. Helplessly witnessing a talent that educated my children come to an end was so devastating. My worry is that my life especially with young children to educate is going to be hard.
