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
26575 KES ($214 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?
My goal is to construct a decent house for my family in the future. Currently, the house I dwell in is not as per the standard I wanted only that poverty pushed me into it. Through my business, I have been saving some amount and I am optimistic that I will manage to build a house.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly is a unique organization that is devoted to uplifting the livelihood of people. Through the transfers which I received, I did things that seemed impossible because I had no money. Before getting the transfer, the children and I used to sleep on the floor since we did not have beds. It was pathetic. Currently, I am happy since they sleep well in their beds. Using the first transfer, I managed to buy two beds and two mattresses for them. They are also very happy that they enjoy their sleep nowadays unlike before.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am grateful that I received the second transfer of $265.75. The amount had to be split after I parted with my husband due to family wrangles that had nothing to do with GiveDirectly. When I received the money, I bought three goats in the name of gifting my three young children. I did this so that they will never forget GiveDirectly since they know they got the goats because of the organization. The purpose of buying the goats was to start a livestock investment because goats have ready markets and they can be sold anytime a need arises. Thereafter, I started a grocery shop which has been sustaining my family to date.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($491 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at the hospital where I went to see my dad who had undergone surgery, when I received a message in my phone. Upon checking, my life was lit up due the kind of message that had been sent. It was KES 55000.00 from GiveDirectly. I was overwhelmed with happiness knowing that my hardships were coming to an end.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life is that, I am now gaining some flesh on my body. Initially I was very skinny due to the stresses I was going through due to family issues. Before GiveDirectly, we used to sleep on the ground with my children where we were being bitten by maggots. As for now we have good beds and nice bedding. We are very grateful for the support we received from GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After the withdrawal, I bought 2 standard beds for KES 13000.00 and 2 mattresses for KES 9000.00 and left for home from the shopping centre. Having 6 children who are in primary school, I paid KES 10000.00 school fees for them. I cleared all the balances and also completed the fees for the whole year. Thereafter, I bought a door for KES 3000.00, some clothes for my children for KES 1800.00 and also took my child to hospital after falling sick where we were charged KES 1000.00. Looking at how dry our area is, we are having hardships in sourcing for water, thus I kept the remaining amount to aid us in the family up keep as far as food and water is concerned.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a decent life, good education for my children and food security. I am planning to use 30,000 KES to buy 3 beds and 3 mattresses. One bed for me, one for my son and the other one for my 3 daughters. This is because we have been sleeping on the floor with traditional mats for about 5 years. Due to the failed rainfall, we have failed to produce maize in our farms, this has made it difficult in the provision of food for my family of 6 children. To cover up for this problem of food insecurity, I am planning to buy 10 goats at a total cost of 25,000 KES. Once the goats grow and even increase in number, I will sell them at around 4,000 KES per goat. I wil use this income to buy foodstuffs. I am also planning to use 5,000 KES to clear school fees arrears for my 5 children and use 5,000 KES to pay for the next term fees. For the rest of the money, I will use it to buy food and sort other family needs as they arise. Needs such as medical bills.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Afternoon is the happiest part of my day. I do my house chores very early in the morning. I start my day by preparing my 4 school going children, I then wash utensils, clean my compound and fetch water at a distance of about 2km. After I am done with the house chores, I head to the forest to cut down trees for charcoal burning. I cut down trees up to around 12 noon. I go back home to prepare lunch for my children. After we finish eating lunch, I get time to rest and even time to chat with my neighbors.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of enough money is the biggest hardship I have ever faced in life. With my 6 children, we have been sleeping on the floor with the use of traditional mats. This is because, the money I get from charcoal burning is not enough. It all goes into buying food. The money is not enough to save for purchasing beds and mattresses.
