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
80000 KES ($615 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have been working as a tailor as a side hustle in addition to my other responsibilities for quite some time. Before receiving my first GiveDirectly transfer, I had planned to purchase an embroidery machine to help improve the quality of my tailoring work. I could not afford it at the time because the market price was $500. Because I had been seeking embroidery services from other established tailors, this would have come in handy and saved me a lot of money. Enrolling in the GiveDirectly transfer gave me hope of finally bringing in the machine and increasing my business's profit margin
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Am greatful for the help that I received from GiveDirectly. The enrollment process was smooth and the information we were given were clear in that we understood every bit of it. They did a good job. Am grateful for the help that I received from GiveDirectly. The enrollment process was smooth and the information we were given were clear in that we understood every bit of it.it was well done.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving the second transfer from GiveDirectly I was heavily expectant, it helped me to pay for my hospital bills for delivery $200 I spent the remaining amount on buying foodstuff, and other household goods.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($170 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I got enrolled and two days later I went to Equity Bank to check if there was anything in my account. I was happy to see that I had KSH 20,000 from GiveDirectly. When I got home in the evening I broke the news to my entire family and everyone, my husband included, was equally happy. I am a tailor who creates patterns of various shapes in clothes and I have wanted to buy an embroidery machine which I acquired the next day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I am a tailor who has been yearning to buy an embroidery machine to create patterns to fit my customer's needs. I have been spending KES 1800 every month to create patterns elsewhere and it was costly for me. Buying my machine has saved me this cost and I thank GiveDirectly for it.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 15,000 on buying an embroidery machine and KES 5000 on food. The money could not have come at a better time because it has changed my circumstances.
Enrolled
access_time almost 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
When I receive this money, I plan on using it to expand my small business. I am a tailor by profession where we've taken up a bigger business premise as six tailors where we split the rent between us. The rent goes for Ksh 6000 and we pay Ksh 1000 each. The money will help me in upgrading the tailoring machines. I currently own a second-hand machine that is slow and does not perform most functions. I'll be able to purchase an embroidery and electric machine that will help in making my work easier instead of using the slow machine only. I will also add more fabrics that will make it easier for customers who come to the shop without theirs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Over the last six months, incidents that have made me happy include providing for my children and making sure they do not lack. With what I earn I make sure I'm always content and live within my means. Having friendly and peaceful neighbors is also one of the happiest incidents I've had within the last six months.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Some of the major challenges I get are having some customers who don't pay the full amount on time. A customer will come order dresses and make them on time but I don't get full payment on time. For months when business is slow I barely make enough that can help me stock up on materials or feed my family. I always want to makeover 30 dresses a month in which the profit is always enough to cater to my needs. Another challenge is when I lose customers because I do not have enough fabrics for customers who come without their own.
