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 ($493 USD)
access_time almost 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 different that it would have been if I had never received my transfer in that, I now live better after receiving my transfer. I was able to construct a spacious house for my family since the previous one was very small. Also, I was able to start livestock rearing a reliable source of income for my family. In addition , I was able to clear the school fees for my kids and we are now having enough food for my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, Givedirectly did well for sending us cash transfer which has uplifted our living standard. I don't see anything that it did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my second transfer on purchasing one cow at $260. This was my investment for my family which will help me in case I face any financial crisis. I also bought 24 iron sheets for $100. Lastly, I bought 4 goats at 30dollars each. The remaining amount assist me to clear the fees for my children and purchased enough food for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($501 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was just relaxing with my family then my phone started ringing. At first, ignored it, then it rang again. I decided to check who it could be. Wow! I realized it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly they had debited my first transfers as promised. I was so happy because I was sure my life will never be the same again.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I have been married for over fifteen years and for all that long I have been sleeping in a temporary small house. This is becasue my spouse has been jobless for quite a long time and we only survived by the miracle of God. Therefore whenever I was expecting, I had to go back to my father's since the house was spacious and safe there. This has been like aq routine and it wasn't portraying a good picture or my husband it was such an embarrassing moment. Luckily GiveDirectly came into my life and transformed everything positively. I am now a proud owner of a big iron-roofed well-plaqstred house. We are now living hapilly and comfortably with family which has always been my dream.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some building materials since the previous one was almost collapsing and small. The materials include iron sheets, building poles, threads, nails, and timber. I later paid the mason KES 8000 as his labor charge. Also, I cleared school debt for my children and bought new uniforms. With the remaining amount of money, I am using it to buying enough foodstuffs for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My children are growing up fast and I have always seen the need of building another house that can accommodate all of us well. I have five children and with only one room, we are very squeezed and lack privacy. I will use 500 USD to build a three roomed house. I will then use 210 USD to buy three goats and one cow. I have several goats and I have seen the benefits of livestock farming. Adding 3 more goats and a cow will be a big boost to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
When I have no casual jobs to do,I wake up early so that I can go to my farm. I work 3 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the evening in the farm. My resting time is in the afternoon when the sun is very hot. I relax under the shade as I go through my children's books especially bible stories. This is the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have been struggling a lot with medical expenses for my children. Two of my children have chest problems which doctors say that they have an asthmatic problem that is building up. My first born has a mild mental problem that is slowly worsening. I have not been able to seek proper medication due to lack of money. I am worried that their health problems may worsen as they continue growing up. This has been torturing me a lot as well as draining me financially. It is my biggest hardship.
