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.
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($517 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
check
What did you spend your second transfer on?
The second transfer I spend part of it to buy a dairy cow. I had none and opted to buy one so that I wouldn't spend much on buying milk again. The remaining portion I spend on buying food since we had none at the time when I received my transfers. We lost our food crops due to a disease which in turn caused a food shortage in the area.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Give Directly did well by giving us unconditional money which really helped to free us from poverty.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Before Give Directly came, I had a simple structure outside my my house which I had covered with a polythene. This acted as a cooking area for us. During rainy seasons the place was not so good. When I got my transfers from Give Directly, I spend part of it to buy building materials and constructed a semi permanent Kitchen. This was the greatest achievement which I got as a result of this transfers. I no longer have worries during rainy seasons like before.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($549 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
attach_money
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spend my transfer on buying a cow, paying school fees for my children and the rest I spent on food for the family. We have never owned a cow and that was the only thing I dreamt of keeping. We have always been buying milk which is very costly for us since I have a huge family.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
That moment i received the transfer i was so happy. I was literally celebrating all over the village and yet it was very early morning. That was a moment I couldn't hide my joy because I had a lot of debts I needed to settle.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I'm able to get more milk from the cow I bought. We are now able to provide enough milk for our family and sell the rest to our neighbors so that we meet other needs. Unlike before I never used to receive daily income but now I can buy anything I want provides I can afford.
Enrolled
access_time almost 6 years ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I spent most of my life struggling to give the best in terms of education to my children. With the little income that we got, we had to struggle a lot to get enough money to enable them stay in school. We sold almost all the household property leaving us with absolutely nothing. Although we managed to pay their school fees, the expenses made on them is still felt up to date.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning hours. My family entirely depends on farming for survival. Am happy in the morning when am working in the farm since it is an assurance of better days ahead.
What does receiving this money mean to you?
For a long time, I have had a desire of owning assets of my own that would help me generate income and handle any financial emergencies. Receiving this money would bring an end to my endless reliance on donations from my relatives to meet my emergency needs. I will buy a cow that will help me generate income by engaging in milk selling business and be able to have my own assets going forward. I am so delighted about this cash.