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 ($527 USD)
access_time almost 5 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 currently different from the way it was had I not received the money in that I now have a source of income thus I rely on my spouse fully neither do I do the casual work I used to do previously. This is because I was able to start up a small business with the previous transfers which have been my source of income. At the same time, we do not quarrel a lot with my spouse as it used to be the case before the transfers. Whenever I asked him for money but he didn't have it resulted in quarrels.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GD does well by allowing people to choose what they do with the money given to them. This has enabled people to improve their lives and I can attest that the living standards of most people in the village have improved a lot. I wouldn't say there is anything GD is not doing well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
Sugarcane is the main cash crop in our area but we only have a small piece of land where we mainly grow maize for the family consumption. So I leased a piece of land at 14000 KES where I'm currently growing sugarcane. After harvesting the sugarcane, I believe I'll be able to get a good income by selling the harvest which I'll use to pay the school fee for my child who is currently in secondary school. Part of the money I used to purchase the sugarcane seeds, fertilizer which I used on the plantation and paid for the farm labor too who worked during planting and weeding.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($547 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
I am happy my daughter will not be sent home for school fees since I paid all her school fees.I also have a cow that I did not have before.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received my transfer I was very happy and I did not have strength to go to the farm until the following day.I was just indoors praying and thanking Give Directly.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I bought house hold items(mattress),because I did not have any we were sleeping on a mat. I also bought a cow worth KES 17000 because it will give me milk and I can sell to get more money to support my family.The remaining amount I paid school fees for my daughter who is in Secondary School.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means investing in sugarcane plantations. I would like to spend the transfer on expansion of sugarcane farming. This would enable me increase my income hence better living standards.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening after work. When I get paid for the casual labor that I offer and buy food for my family, I feel satisfied as a provider.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I am facing in life is lack proper source of income. I depend on casual labor services that are unreliable. This makes it difficult to provide for my family's basic needs.
