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 ($489 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?
My life is different than it would have been if I never received the transfer in that I am now assured of my children's education after paying their school fees in full. Previously, I did not have any money to support their educational need. In addition, I was able to construct a decent shelter, Back in the days, I use to reside in my small kitchen after my house collapsed and my kids us to be sheltered in my neighbour's house. Furthermore, I was able to start a reliable source of income by purchasing a dairy cow which will give a daily income once I start selling milk.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well for sending the cash transfer which has transformed the lives of poor households for the better. Through the aid, I was able to construct a decent shelter for the family something that I could not have achieved very soon in my life. I do not see anything that GiveDirectly does not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer to purchase one dairy cow for $160. This because I have desired to own a dairy cow so that I may have a constant supply of milk for the family. Currently, I am forced to purchase milk every day which is relatively expensive. In addition, I am planning to sell the extra liters to any an income. I also cleared the fee arrear for my 3 kids who are still in primary school and paid part of their term one fees. The remaining amount assisted me in purchasing enough food for the family and save some amount for any financial emergency.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($512 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I remember it was exactly 9 am when I was at my firm digging when I received the massages of my first transfer. Being illiterate, I rushed to my elder son whom he confirmed that it was the transfer which I was promised. I was filled with joy after receiving my transfer.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I had a desire of building a big and decent shelter for my family. This is because I use to sleep in my kitchen after my house collapsed and I had no cash to build new one. The biggest difference in my daily life after receiving my transfer is the fact that I am staying in spacious and more comfortable house with my children.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my transfer to purchase building pole, 16 iron sheet and paying labour charges for constructing new house because I used to sleep in the kitchen which is very small. This is because the one I had collapsed some years back. I used The remaining amount to apply for birth certificates of my 3 children and purchase enough food staff for the family.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means building a semi-permanent house for my family. I separated from my husband 15 years ago, because his situation did not allow us to stay together. (He suffered severe headaches which led to madness). Currently, I am staying in a grass stitched house which leaks during rainy seasons. I am planning to spend 80,000 shillings of the transfer on construction so that we can leave a decent life. Other than that, I will spend the remaining amount to clear fee balances for my children so that they study with easy because they won't be sent back home to collect fees for 1 year. This is going to give me room to save the Little coins I have for the next year.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is in the afternoon. It is at this time when I engage myself with casual jobs to provide for my family's needs such as food. Unlike in the evening when I am alone in the bed full of stress thinking of when my husband will be healed so that we live together.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship is the lack of social support from my husband. I was married to a hardworking man who used to provide for us all our needs but later he suffered a severe headache which led him running madly up to date. He can no longer work. When this happened, back in the year 2016 I had to return to my parental home with my 3 children. In our culture, once a girl is married, she is neglected from inheriting any materials from the parents. I am the only breadwinner to my children.
