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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3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($309 USD)
access_time 9 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the next year, my goal is to plant mango trees in the kitchen garden that I fenced using the transfers. I aim to grow up to 20 trees, which will serve as a source of income for my family of five. To accomplish this project, I estimate that I will need $50. To raise the necessary funds, I plan to sell some of my goats. By reallocating assets from one venture to another, I can invest in a sustainable, long-term opportunity for generating income. Planting mango trees not only offers the potential for future earnings but also contributes to the overall sustainability and resilience of our household. As the trees mature, they will provide a steady supply of fruit, which can be sold or consumed, thus enhancing our financial stability and food security. I am excited about the prospects of this project and remain committed to its success. I am confident that planting mango trees will be a worthwhile investment for the future well-being of my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I wholeheartedly agree that GiveDirectly has the power to transform lives for the better. Personally, I have experienced the profound impact of their assistance firsthand. With the support provided, I have been able to acquire assets such as a water tank and fence my farm, laying the groundwork for a sustainable future. Now, with my farm fenced, I am eager to sow mangoes as a means to earn a living for myself and my family. This opportunity would not have been possible without the assistance from GiveDirectly, and for that, I am truly grateful. As for their approach, I believe it is effective as it is. In my opinion, there is no need for any changes. Everything is working well, and I am optimistic about the future thanks to the support I have received from GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving my transfers, I made essential investments to improve our living conditions and secure our future. I allocated $200 towards fencing our garden, where I wish to plant mango trees to earn income for my family, while $150 went into purchasing a water tank to ensure access to clean water for our family. Additionally, $35 was spent on maize for our sustenance, and $37 was allocated for clothing needs. The remaining funds were used to install water gutters to collect rainwater for various household purposes. As a family of five, we rely on the income earned by my children from their casual jobs to make ends meet. I am grateful for their contributions, especially as I am getting older and increasingly dependent on their support. The transfers have truly uplifted my life, providing the means to make necessary improvements and ensuring a better quality of life for my family. I am thankful for the assistance, which has made a significant difference in our circumstances.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($280 USD)
access_time 10 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I need a dairy cow. We're getting on in years, and with our newly fenced farm, I believe we can provide a good home for the cow. Having a cow will not only give us fresh milk for our use but also allow us to sell extra milk to meet our daily needs for my husband, i, and our two grandchildren. Imagine waking up in the morning and having fresh milk from our cow. It would make a big difference in our daily life. The dream of owning a dairy cow represents more than just an addition to our farm; it symbolizes hope, opportunity, and a pathway to a more stable and fulfilling life for our family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
How GiveDirectly operates, spanning all stages of their assistance, has been outstanding, and I sincerely hope they continue with the same approach. From the initiation of the process to the final implementation. Their commitment to transparency and direct aid stands out, providing financial support and a sense of empowerment to the recipients. The impact has been transformative, bringing about positive changes in my life and the lives of many others. I wish that GiveDirectly maintains this exemplary operational model. By doing so, they can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I invested $400 in fencing my land, a decision prompted by the presence of valuable mango trees and the constant disturbance from neighborhood livestock. These animals are allowed to roam freely. I couldn't leave my home without safeguarding my land. The mango trees play a crucial role in sustaining my family, and thanks to the support from GiveDirectly, I was finally able to address this long-standing issue. For years, financial constraints prevented me from putting up a fence. GiveDirectly's assistance has made it possible for me to break free from this cycle, and for that, I am grateful. I allocated $50 to buy food to sustain my husband and two grandchildren. Our maize crop failed last year due to rainfall shortages. As farmers, this setback hit us hard, and casual jobs were no longer an option to bridge the gap due to our old age. The mango trees, now protected, will undoubtedly contribute to sustaining my family in the long run. This future investment is a testament to the positive impact of GiveDirectly's support.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
20000 KES ($132 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I vividly recall being at home, engaged in weaving ropes, when my son approached me with remarkable news. He happily conveyed that the awaited transfer from GiveDirectly had been received. This was the happiest day in my life and thus it filled me with joy and gratitude. The thrill was uncontrollable, knowing that this transfer marked the initiation of my longstanding aspiration to construct a respectable dwelling for myself. The arrival of the funds ushered in immense happiness into our lives, and we will forever carry a deep sense of appreciation in our hearts.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the reduction of stress, as the assurance of abundant food in our home has replaced the previous struggles arising from financial difficulties. We used to go to bed on an empty stomach due to a lack of cash flow in our household. I am eternally grateful for the support that has significantly enhanced our quality of life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Due to my advanced age, I no longer possess the energy to work on the farm as I did in the past. However, I occasionally engage in rope weaving, earning at least $5 per month. Unfortunately, this income is insufficient, leading me to depend on my children for sustenance in our household of four. Receiving money from GiveDirectly brought me a profound sense of joy and fulfillment because I knew it would enable me to stock enough food in our home. Consequently, I utilized the entire amount to ensure that we had ample food supplies. This became the most crucial aspect of my life, providing assurance that I would not go to bed on an empty stomach. I am eternally grateful for the support that has elevated my life, allowing me to enjoy the luxury of having enough food on my plate—a circumstance that was previously unattainable due to financial constraints.
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
The transfer will come at an appropriate time. I need a lot of household items for food, such as sugar, cooking oil, beans, and other items. Plan to use about $100. It means we won't worry about food for almost 3 months.
To enable me to plant mangoes and secure them well. I need proper fencing. I will use approximately $500 to do that. Buying seedlings and planting them is not that difficult. I will buy 10 mango seedlings, each seedling costs $2.50. I will start with that and expand my mangoes to over 100 trees. I have enough land.
Due to water shortage and distance covered to fetch it. I need to buy a water tank. A 3000-litre one is enough. Will collect rainwater for domestic use. It will ease our water burden. The tank costs about $200.
I also need a cow. It will provide me with milk for home use. Feeding them is easy because of the readily available grass. It can cost about $200. This means with good milk production, I can sell some for extra income.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have over 10 sheep, and they do well here. I can sell them for income, to buy food and other essentials. It also acts as a cushion during emergencies. It's brings me happiness knowing that I have something reliable to depend on for money.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My compound and farm are open. It's not well fenced and my neighbor's livestock can easily enter and destroy my crops or fruits. I have tried severally growing mangoes but due to poor fencing, they're eaten up by livestock. This has left me out of the lucrative mango farming. I can only watch as my neighbors sell their mangoes. It's so sad. Middlemen come to the village immediately after they overhear mangoes' maturity. It needs little water. The lack of proper fencing has hindered me from growing mangoes or pawpaws to earn some income.