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 ($430 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 main focus and goal this year is the expand my farming. This is because, I want to save towards my children school fees so that they will not have hard time once they join tertiary institutions.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Given that GiveDirectly works with people who live in extreme poverty. You may find that at times, there people got ideas but lack Capita to put their ideas into practice. What GiveDirectly does well is empowering people through given them cash.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
For the longest time, I had been buying milk from my neighbors because I couldn't afford to buy a dairy cow from the little money that I earn from selling farm produce for it has only be enough to support my family (wife and two children) and my parents. When I received my second transfer, I thought it was a wise decision to buy a dairy cow worth $150. In the next one year I will no longer be buying from my neighbors and I will be milking from my own. I also spend $150 to build a temporary kitchen that got us out of danger for we had been cooking from the main house. I spend the balance to buy vegetable seedlings which I planted and got some good harvest last month. I am so grateful for the support.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($462 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received my transfer, I attended a fundraising event in the neighbourhood. Amid the event, I had my phone ringing and vibrating. I reached out to my pocket to check what the message entailed. Upon checking I realised that I had received a sum of KES 55,000 from GiveDirectly. This was the best thing that had happened to me and I was so happy and grateful for the support that came at the right time of need. I then called my mother and broke the good news to her since I was her helper. She was equally overjoyed because she had received the same.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Herding my cows gives me joy and fulfilment beyond explaining. The joy of owning a cow in a short time is immense. It is a dream come true because it would have taken a longer period for me to acquire one. Secondly, I was able to complete finishing my house that was left pending due to a shortage of funds. I am forever grateful for the support that brought so much happiness into our lives.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Starting a family has been a blessing in my life. This has been a motivation for me to work hard daily to provide for my family. We are blessed with a child and I depend on farming in earning an income. Upon receiving my transfer, I thought of purchasing a dairy cow so has to cut down on the cost of buying milk daily and also have enough for my family. Therefore, I used KES 25,000 on acquiring a cow and a calf worth KES 11,000. I was unable to purchase one before due to financial constraints due to the responsibilities of starting a family. Lastly, I used KES 9000 on completing my house which was left halfway. My family is filled with joy and happiness thus we are grateful.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means enough capital for farming. Since I completed my secondary education year 2012, I have been practicing subsistence farming which is my main source of income. Due to a lack of enough capital, I cannot do it on a large scale. I have a current capital of KES 3000 that yields KES7000 by planting cabbage and tomatoes. I will invest KES15000 from these transfers as capital which will increase my profits. This will help me meet my family's basic needs and school fees for my child. The rest I will use in purchasing a dairy cow to reduce the expense I am currently incurring in the purchase of milk for consumption. I am excited because GiveDirectly will change my life for the better.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Two months ago, my wife completed her secondary education, this gives me joy because she will further her education to the university level hence securing a better future for my family. At the same time, she has been giving me a helping hand on the farm reducing the costs of labor and hence maximizing profits.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Raising capital to do subsistence farming is the main challenge currently. I have a hectare of land which I have not utilized well due to a lack of resources. I used KES 3000 to plant cabbages and tomatoes which I harvest and sell at nearby markets. This has assisted me to meet the family's basic needs but I save none for further expansion of the farm.
