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 ($442 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I now have a new goal which is to build a new pit latrine in my compound. For all those years, I have been using that of my relatives which I feel is not hygienic. My son has been having some infections frequently as a result which has been affecting us as financially because he has been in and out hospital. Therefore having my pit latrine will be of help not only to me but to my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
According to me, GiveDirectly did a very great job for the entire village in various ways. What stood out was the fact that there was no discrimination be it in gender, tribe or even religion. Everyone was equally treated and received the same amount of money on time. I do not see anything that the organisation needs to change.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying building materials which include sand at KES 8000, bricks and cement at KES 11000. This was for the construction of my new house since the previous one wa a muddy small house. It could hardly accommodate all my three family members besides, it was so hectic during the rainy seasons because we could be raised at the same time causing damage to our properties. I feel there is a relief for now because I will no longer have to worry about the rains and my kids will be healthier. I also cleared the medical bill of KES 1000 for my son who was quite unwell and I thank God for restoring his health fully. I have been buying foodstuffs for my family with the remaining cash.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($475 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 7am while I was preparing some breakfast for my children when I received a message in my phone. Upon checking it was the first transfer from GiveDirectly. My heart was filled with joy and appreciation to an extent of jumping up and down in happiness. All this happiness was as a result of receiving a huge amount of money that I had not received before.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Initially, having a permanent house was just a dream but as of now, I have made a a bigger step by starting to buy some construction materials. I also managed to get two goats and as of now, I have some goats at my home, something that I was just seeing from the neighbor's home steads.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I withdrew the money, my aim was to renovate my house from a temporary one to a permanent one. The current one is made of mud but I am planning to construct a block one. Concerning that, I bought two trips of building blocks for KES 42000.00. I also bought two goats for KES 7000.00, I opted for goats since they are can resist drought over cows. Thereafter I used the remaining amount in buying some food for my family.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My two bedroom house which I live with my family of three members is in bad condition. The walls are in poor state such that it is unsafe sleeping in there. Receiving this money would mean I erect concrete pillars at the corners of the house so that it becomes strong for the winds which I believe it will go along way in providing a safe and conducive shelter for us. I will spend 30000 KES on renovation. I will also buy two goats at a total cost of 6000 KES and 15000 on food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My great source of joy is my 5 months old baby boy who I delivered through Caesarian section. I feel honored and proud to be a mother and always make sure he is in good health.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I delivered through Caesarian section one year ago, though my condition is improving but I can not do the house chores as well as subsistence farming which I solely depend on. This situation has really affected me financially because I have to depend on my husband who works as a carpenter and the income he earns can not sustain us.
