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 ($428 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I would like to open a retail shop business. In our village, we have few shops, and when I need an item, I have to walk miles awa
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Your visits to the village excite me, On the first meeting, I learned a lot about how to carefully withdraw my money using a phone. I also thank you for providing us with a toll-free number that we can call for free.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have been in charcoal production all my life, and in a week I would sell one sack for $5. This money would enable me to buy food for my family. On days that I would not get customers, we would sleep hungry or borrow money from a neighbor which made me feel embarrassed. Before the transfer, my house was not in a good condition, and whenever it rained, water would get into the house which made my children sick. When I received this transfer, there was a drought in the coastal region, and I decided to go food shopping in a nearby town so that I can stock a variety of food for the family. I also bought a cow but unfortunately due to famine, it died. I used the rest of my money to pay school fees for my three children. And I finally repaired my husband's motorbike which has been faulty for seven months, Right now, I do not have arrears in school and my husband's business is doing great.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($510 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I had just arrived from the nearby water pan when I heard my phone ringing. After checking I realized that it was the transfer I had been waiting for. I was extremely happy after realizing GiveDirectly had sent me the transfer they had promised.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is I will be able to stay happily in a decent house with my family after completing putting up the roof of my house. This will restore the joy that I have lost for a year after my house collapsed.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used $250 of my transfer on purchasing 22 iron sheets, timber and nails this was for the culmination of the construction of my house which I had started but hunted due to lack of finances to purchase the roofing materials. This is because my house had collapsed one year ago and I was staying in a temporary structure. Also, I saved some money for the labour fee. In addition, I bought sufficient food for my family since I can no longer go to the forest to perform my charcoal vending activity due to the risky of wild.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means finishing my house that has remained unfinished for 3 years now due to financial instability. I plan to spend $400 on my first transfer to ensure the house is complete. This will provide me the opportunity of living in a decent house. On the other hand, I intend to invest in livestock and I plan to spend $400 on the second transfer to buy 3 indigenous dairy cows. This will provide me with milk for sell in order to get income and also for household consumption. Hence, a transformed life.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The evening is the happiest of my day because, at this time, I usually have completed my tasks which include charcoal burning and household chores for the day. Having completed these tasks gives me a feeling of happiness since I get ample time to rest. Unlike in the morning and afternoon hours when I am always busy either at the bush or at home doing household chores.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The lack of a decent job is the biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life. Charcoal burning is the major source of income that I depend on, a very intensive job. Despite being tiresome and time-consuming, its income is usually low and it can not fully sustain the needs of my family.
