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?
My initial goal was to construct a decent separate shelter for my kid since we were staying in the house despite them being big boys. Through the transfer, I was able to accomplish the goal. In addition, I was able to support the education of my kids by paying off the huge accumulated fee arrears. Having done all this I do not have any new goals.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly did well in helping the less fortunate households in our village by sending cash directly to our mobile phones. In addition, every household had the right to decide what to spend their cash on and the enrollment was done without any discrimination. There is nothing it did not do well according to me.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer to start a reliable source of income for myself by investing it in livestock rearing. I was able to purchase 3 goats for 10,500 for a start. I also spent KES 19,000 to support my 2 children's educational needs, one is in secondary and the other in special disability school since she is dumb. The remaining amount assists me in purchasing sufficient food stock for the family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($490 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
One early morning, I left home for the field to prepare charcoals but I had to leave my phone at a charging place since it had no power. At around 10am when I returned home I went for it knowing that it was full charged. On switching it on, two rapid messages were received meaning that they were just hanging on the airwaves waiting for the phone to be switched on. As I was reading the messages I realized it was just one message and this message left me perplexed after seeing the huge figure of money. While wondering where the money was from I realized it was the first transfer from GiveDirectly. I felt happy clearly knowing that the things that have been bothering me were going to work out.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference I can attest is food security. Initially we used to go for some days without food but since the day we received the transfer from GiveDirectly we are comfortable as far as food issues are concerned. My family is gaining some good health not as before when they were skinny.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After withdrawing the money, the first thing I settled was the school fees for my 5 children. I took KES 12500.00 and cleared all the balances they had so that they could have good time in school studying. After paying the school fees, I bought some foodstuff for my family so as to ensure we are comfortable. I also bought some clothes for my children. Having settled those items, I bought 2 mattresses for KES 6100.00. Thereafter, I bought 10 iron sheets for KES 6500.00 so that I could repair my house.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means access to basic education for my children. I have a family of six children. Five in primary school and one in secondary school. Raising these children has been very difficult. I usually depend on charcoal burning business which earns me less than KES 1000 a month. This money is not sufficient to meet the basic needs of my family. Besides my husband is old and also dependent to his three wives to get food.
I intend to use the first cash transfer to clear school fees balances for my children and other educational costs like uniform and books. I will then use the second cash transfer to buy goats as a store of wealth for my children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is the happiest part of my day. I usually leave home at 5am for charcoal burning in the forest. I then come back in the afternoon to cook lunch for my children. I then go back and return home at 5pm. At this time I get to see my family, cook, eat and refresh myself. Eating together with my family at this time brings joy to my heart.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of a stable source of income is the biggest hardship I have ever faced. For a long time I have longed to have a source of income that will help me finance my childrens' education. However, this has never come true due to lack of jobs in the village. The small charcoal business I depend on is not reliable and earns me Less than KES 2000 a month. This has made my family of six children to be on and off school because of fee balances. I intend to use the cash transfer to clear school fees balances for my children and buy goats as an investment for my childrens' education.
