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 ($465 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?
Having achieved the main goals that I had with the transfer like educating my grandchild. My new goal is to restart my business of selling charcoal at our nearby market center. Previously, I had been depending on this job and I had to close doors because of insufficient capital to run it. Since then, I have not gotten the finances to revive it. I intend to restart it once I obtain some money.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well for coming with cash transfer program in my village. What pleases me is that everyone was enrolled into the program and after each and every transfer we were called for follow up which was well done. I do not see anything that they did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer to support the grandchild's education, she was left after under my care after her mother died immediately after her birth more than 10 years ago. Currently, she is in form two, I spent KES 15,000 to clear the fee arrears. She was constantly out of school due to school fees something that frustrated me a lot. In addition, I renovated my house which was very small by constructing an additional room. Previously, it was single-roomed which was not enough for me and my grandchildren. Also, I bought a bed and mattress for KES 11,200, at the moment, I am happy that I enjoy my nights on modern beddings which are more comfortable compared to the old traditional bed that I had earlier. Furthermore, I used KES 10,000 to start livestock rearing by purchasing 4 sheep . This is a long-term investment for my granddaughter's education.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($491 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 10 AM when I was relaxing after I had taken my breakfast when my cellphone started ringing. Since I am illiterate, I asked my daughter-in-law to check for me who might have sent the message early that morning. Upon checking, she realized that it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. At first, I thought she was kidding and later on I had to accept that it was true. I felt so happy and I wish you could see how I reacted. We all rejoiced and thanked God for the blessings
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life ever since I started receiving the cash transfers is that I was able to send my children to school. I have always been dreaming of seeing them in school and getting good grades but this was achievable. Most of the time they were on and off which has been affecting their academic performance in general. Some had opted to drop out of school which even stressed me a lot. Being an old widow who depends on temporary jobs with low incomes it has never been easy even to bring food n the table. Therefore paying their fees on time was not attainable. I have been seeking help from the well-wisher's wish was not a guarantee. All in all, I have always been hopeful knowing that God is in control and no situation is permanent. I am so glad the coming of GiveDirectly has brought light into our lives and all my children are now school studying peacefully.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on clearing school fees for my children and granddaughter a total of KES 20000. This has always been my dream seeing to see to waking up every morning and going to school like the rest. In addition, I also bought a wooden bed made of at KES 5700 to replace the traditional beddings made of ropes that I have using for all those years. Also, I bought some iron sheets and building poles to renovate my house which had a leaky roof and weak walls. I am glad I am sleeping comfortably without having to worry about the rains. Finally, With the remaining amount of money, I bought enough foodstuffs and nice new clothes for my children.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving means food security to my household since I plan to upscale my farming. This is because I always till only one acre of land using a hoe and the much produce I normally harvest is two 90kgs bags of maize that sustain my family of six of only two months. I am planning to spend the utmost KES 40000 of my first transfer to buy oxen and an ox plough which will enable me to till my 6 acres of land. This will ensure me getting more harvest of twelve 90kgs bags of maize that will sustain my family of six for almost a year. I will further use the remaining amount of my first transfer to buy a new bed and mattress to replace the old ones that do not give me a nice sleep. With my second transfer, I will spend KES 25000 to construct a separate structure for my orphan grandchildren to whom I share a house with. For the remaining amount, I will pay school fees for a year of my grandchild in secondary school.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening since it is the time I can rest and have a good time with my family. Unlike in the morning and afternoon hours when I am busy with my casual jobs.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life is food insecurity. This is because we rely on casual jobs and our earnings can not sustain all our needs. Due to this, we struggle to put food on the table and sometimes we seek help from our relatives.
