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 ($492 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different than it would have been if I never received my transfer in that I am living a better life with the family. I was able to start a livestock rearing as an alternative source of livelihood. I replaced the charcoal vending which was very tiresome and time consuming. Furthermore, I was able to start livestock rearing a reliable source of income for the family. Lastly, the children are learning well without being discontinued after clearing their school fees. I am assured that their performances will improve this term.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well for helping the less fortunate in the society. I thank GiveDirectly for the aid that has transformed my life for the better. In do no see anything that the organisation does not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer to purchase 2 cows for $300.I have desired to own livestock so that they may assist me whenever I face any financial crisis. With this, I will be able to have steady supply of milk to my consumption. Likewise, my plan is to sale the some extra litres to my neighbours to earn a living. I also purchased iron sheets, building poles, timber this was for the construction of a decent shelter for my family. Previously, I was staying in a grass thatched house which was leaking. The remaining amount assisted me in educating my grandchildren who are still in primary school.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($501 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received a message in my phone and since I could not understand the contents, I called for my helper who confirmed to me that I had received my first transfer. I felt happy and rejoiced with my family for this fortune.
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 am currently sheltering in a new decent and iron roofed house. I finally managed to build this house through the transfers after many failed attempts due to financial constraints. I was previously living in a grass thatched house for many years. Had I not received the money, it would have taken years to fulfill this. I am happy to live in an iron roofed house. I also have a cow which I am keeping. I am expecting it to reproduce and increase in number. I will be getting milk to sell and earn an some cash.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying a cow which I am currently keeping in my homestead. My expectation is that this cow will reproduce and increase in number. I will be getting milk to sell and earn some money. In addition to this, I also paid school fees for my children for them to be allowed back in school. Apart from this, I also bought some iron sheets and building poles to construct a decent house. I was Initially staying in a grass thatched house which was in a bad condition and always leaking whenever it rained. My life is now different because I moved into my new iron roofed house.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Sleeping in a decent house has been my greatest desire that has never been possible for me to achieve due to the financial constraints that I face in my life. This has forced me to live in a grassy thatched house that is leaking when it rains something that never gives me peace. Receiving this money means making it possible for me to own an iron-roofed house since I will be able to construct a two-roomed one using utmost $300. Also, I will have the opportunity to buy a modern bed and a mattress that will replace the old ones which I currently have and this will cost me $150. On the other hand, I will buy 5 goats at $30 each to start livestock keeping that will help me to cater to my needs in the future.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Being a land preparation season, my day always looks busy since I am required to do farm work in the morning and also to find time in the afternoon to do my charcoal work. This means evening is the only time that I can rest from the strenuous work and hence this becomes the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Imagine at the age of 73 years, I am still having my hopes on charcoal burning! This is so because I have no other option to depend on since my husband is old and he is not energetic to take up strenuous work that can earn us a living. This means I am the breadwinner for the family; hence, I consider financial instability as the biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life.
