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 ($467 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have a new goal that emerged before receiving the case transfers which was to buy modern beddings. For over twenty years, I have been sleeping on the floor since I couldn't afford even to buy mats. It has been tough because every morning, I could wake up with lots of fatigue. This has been affecting my children's health-wise and I am hopeful that this will be achieved soon.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly has brought a positive impact on my life and everyone in my village. Previously, we used to experience so many challenges like not accessing good shelters, our children dropping out of school, among others. Currently, after receiving the financial transfers, all has transformed. I also do not see any sector that GD failing us.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying thirty bags of cement and sand at a total of KES 18000 and the labor charges of KES 13000. I bought all these to renovate my rental house which was in a good state. Previously, getting tenants to rent my house was hard because it was in deplorable condition. The muddy and cracked walls could stare away from the tenants. Currently, I have been getting enough money because all rooms are occupied. With the remaining amount money, I bought foodstuffs for my family and offer household items.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($496 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I vividly remember it was around 8.30am when I heard my phone vibrating. On seeing the envelop icon on the screen I suspected maybe I have also been remembered by GiveDirectly because I was not used to seeing that icon on my phone screen and also some neighbors had already received their transfers.
On opening the envelop, I was overwhelmed seeing the money which had been sent by GiveDirectly. This was an amount that I had never received at once before. Without telling anyone, I went straight to the trading center and withdrew. Thereafter is then I sat down and planned on how I was going to spend the money on.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
It had always been my dream seeing my children comfortable in school but due to lack of finances this appeared like a nightmare. I have been surviving with some small loans from chamas to sustain my family and paying the loans using my business of making and selling charchoals. But since the day I received the transfer, I was able to settle some bills and debts as well as planning for my family. Am grateful for the GiveDirectly support and am looking forward to the next transfer hopping that it will bring more positive impact in my life and my family at large.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Having children who are in college, secondary and primary school with no source of income has been a challenge to me and my children were on and off of school due to school fees. One is in college, the second one is in form three and the third is in class eight. On receiving the money, I settle the school fees issue for them. I also did some roofing repairs for my house which was leaking. I bought some iron sheets, ridges and nails.
I also bought a mattress because initially I was sleeping on a mat.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means food security to my family. I have 4 acres of land but I only do agriculture on 1.5 acres using the traditional method of farming. That is using a hoe. I harvest two bags of maize worthy 90kg each which only last for two months. I want to buy two oxen and a yoke for agriculture. The cost of the two cows and the yoke is Ksh. 57000. This will help me cultivate all the 4 acres . I WIll harvest approximately 8 bags of maize worthy 90kg each. This food will last for one year. I will use the remaining amount to pay school fees for my son who is in the university. His fee is Ksh. 70000 per semester.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest Part of the day is in the afternoon.This is because as an old person, I enjoy busking on the sun during afternoon.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have been doing agricultural activities using the traditional method. This is very tedious. This method has cause me chest problems. The whole of last year 2020 ,I have been under medication because of that problem. That is the biggest hardship I faced.
