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 over 3 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 great improvement in my life together with most women in my village who use to depend on their spouses. I am now self-reliance after receiving my aid, I was able to start a saloon business which earns me $2 on a bad day and up to 10 dollars on a fruitful day. In addition, I acquire a welding machine which I am about to start a welding shop.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, Givedirectly did a good job of sending us unconditional cash, unlike the other organization who decide what to give to their beneficiaries.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
For some years, I have desired to start a Saloon business in my village since l have skills in beauty. I was not able to achieve me dream due to lack of capital. The moment I received my transfer, I spent it to blow-dryer, dryer, plastic sink and mirror for 220 dollars in total. In addition, I used $ 210 to purchase a welding machine so that I may employ my family member who is skilled in welding but he lacked the money to purchase the machine. The remaining amount assisted me in improving my livestock rearing by adding one more goat.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($500 USD)
access_time almost 4 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was busy washing clothes at around 1130Hrs when I heard a message come into my phone. When I checked the message, it was the Mpesa message for the transfers. I was very excited and I showed my husband the message. We then started planning on how we would spend the transfers.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I was able to begin a welding business. I have always had this business in mind but I lacked the finances to begin the business. I was very happy when I received the transfers as I can finally begin the business.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfers to buy a welding machine and some materials for welding in order to start a welding business. I have always had this business in mind, only that I lacked capital to begin. I am happy I can finally start the business. I used to work at a salon before whereby I would make ladies' hair for some pay. My husband hawks solar panels at the market and in the neighborhood. We have two children. I would have never raised the money to start the business. I am grateful to GiveDirectly.
Enrolled
access_time almost 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am hairdresser by profession but I have not been practising it fully due to lack of equipment and good space. The much I do is serving my clients at my house and I offer very limited services. My ambition has always been to start a salon business in my village because people travel all the way to Bamba, for services that require tools like a hair dryer. Receiving this money therefore means achieving my dream of becoming an independent woman and save myself the agony of depending on my husband fully for a living.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the afternoon when I am done with my household chores. I get to spend time with my sisters in law under a shade as we shelter from the scorching sun. Their company is really enjoyable because of the funny stories we share.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial instability as a result of lack of a stable job is my biggest hardship. My husband who is the sole bread winner, does not earn enough from his marketing job which is commission based. Things have become extra difficult with this pandemic where people have to prioritize the very essential needs. Thus it is common for him to go a whole day without selling any solar panel. This situation has made it hard for us to meet our needs fully.
