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 ($529 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the past few months, I had been stressed -up because of the pending fee balance that my children had in school. I did not know how I was going to get my children to school for their first term this year. Our story changed when GiveDircetly kept their promise and sent my transfer. The money has enabled me to settle most of these arrears. As we speak, they are in school attending classes like other children in our neighborhood. Secondly, I was able to buy a bed for my children and now they are able to have enough rest at night which in -turn has lead to a high reproductivity during the day.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion , GiveDirectly transformed my society's lives by giving us a lump- sum amount that would enable us to invest on bigger projects which would have a positive impact in our life . Personally , these money has enabled me to educate my children for two terms which would be my biggest challenged without GiveDirectly .
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent my second transfer to pay school fees for my two children who are in secondary school . I am happy that they are able to go to school after settling a large amount of arrears I hadn't paid . I bought building materials such as twenty pieces of iron sheets which I am using to construct a new house . I have saved the remaining amount 10,000 KES that I intend to use on paying school fees for my children for the next term.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($541 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
Having the dairy cow had made my life o be so different and I can proudly mention. I opted to purchase it because it has numerous benefits. One, I will be getting milk for free for my family consumption, thus will be a surplus to my children's daily meal. Previously, I used to buy milk from friends and it was so costly. In addition to that, I will be selling the remaining liters to the nearby markets and neighbors and generate an income. I believe the little money I will be getting from this business will enable me to pay school fees for my children and cater to all their basic needs.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was awakened by the loud vibration from my mobile phone. Since I am illiterate I decided to wake up my son to confirm who had sent the message. After checking, he realized it was an mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I was very happy since I had not received such a huge amount of money.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying a bed and two mattresses. Previously I used to sleep on a traditional bed and some mats, and it was very small. I used to share the same bed with my children and this was not right according to our culture. I then bought some building materials like poles, timber, some iron sheets, this was purposely to renovate my house and make it more spacious. I then cleared school fees for my children who are in secondary school. Later, I bought a dairy cow, as one of my potential assets. I later bought some enough foodstuffs for my children since we used to have a single meal or go without.
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Being a widow means I am the sole breadwinner of my family. This is such a struggle because I do not have a stable source of income. It is very difficult to finance my children's education and they can be sent home up to 4 times in a term. I desire to educate them so that they will be able to get good jobs in future. This will pull my family out of poverty because I believe lack of education is the mother of all problems. To achieve my dreams, I will start a goat rearing project. This is because they multiply faster and they are drought resistant. With such a project I am sure of high returns thus a change in my life.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the afternoon when I am through with my morning duties. It is the time I get to interact with my family and friends as we take lunch. Their presence gives me joy because I feel the sense of belonging.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Imagine working everyday of your life yet you cannot account for your wages! As weird as it may sound, this is the kind of life I live. Reason being, casual jobs are my source of livelihood. It is very difficult to save and I end up spending all my wages. This has put my family at the center of continuous suffering. I cannot even provide enough food yet it the most sensitive need. I am a very sad woman due to lack of finances which is my biggest hardship.
