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
53075 KES ($524 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?
Owning a plastered house is like a dream come true. I never imagined that in my life I would own an iron-roofed house leave alone a plastered house. I used to leave in a grass thatched house and due to my low income, I was sure I could not have a plastered house. Thanks to GD for changing my life.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well by giving out cash directly to recipients without going through a second or third party. Most projects by different entities have failed due to the involvement of the 'third parties'. The aid is usually used inappropriately and we end up getting no help at all. I am glad to be one of the beneficiaries of this help because my living standards have greatly improved.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I had started constructing a house with the first transfer but I ran out of cash so I couldn't plaster it. The moment I received the second transfer I used it to plaster the house. I'm happy I now have a decent house, unlike the previous grass thatched leaking roof. In addition to that, I also bought a television screen. My kids have been going to my neighbors hours and coming back very late which is usually not very safe for them. I feel proud and happy because they won't have to be out late in the night.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($545 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I cemented my house and it looks good.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received the money I felt very happy because I knew that I will use it freely withought returning.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
The money came when I had built my house and so when I received it I fixed tiles in the sitting room and cemented the two rooms because smearing had been hectic in that getting mud for the work was also expensive. I also bought clothes for my three chidren which were intended for a function that they were going to attend
Enrolled
access_time almost 6 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this transfer means a big financial breakthrough in my life. I shall spend my transfer on renovating my house by cementing the floor. In addition, I shall invest the remaining cash in expanding my Mpesa business.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening when I have successfully accomplished all my daily planned activities.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I had faced in my life was the difficulty in paying my school fees. This situation forced me to drop out of school at class eight level hence limiting me from achieving my ambition of becoming an engineer.
