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 ($493 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 how it would have been had I never received the transfer because I was able to pay school fees for my son without much struggle. Had it not have been for GiveDirectly, I would have been forced to sell part of my land so that I would be able to pay for his school fees. Even though he recently joined, I believe that God is with me and I will be able to see him through college without selling any of my assets since the hardest part is over.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well by giving out financial aid to the lowly people in the society and I do not see anything that they do not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my transfer, I spent KES 35000 to purchase a dairy cow. This is an investment to me that I will depend on in paying school fees for my son who recently joined a tertiary institution. When it reproduces, I will be supplying milk to our nearest cooler plant so that I can achieve this. Also, I spent KES 5000 to pay for his house rent so that he would not be evicted since one month had already elapsed. Using the remaining amount, I bought food and other household necessities for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($502 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was at 1pm when I was waiting to be served lunch when I saw the transfer message and I shouted in jubilation. My wife stopped cooking lunch when she heard me celebrating and she joined me singing songs of praise to the almighty.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference the transfer has brought is enabling me pay school fees for my son who was joining university. If it were not for the transfer, I would have had to sell a piece of land to enable him go to school. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I still have my land with me and my son is in school.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I bought a heifer and paid school fees for my son who was joining university.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
As a self-employed person who depends on crop farming only as a source of income yet climatic conditions in our area have become unfavorable, sustaining my family and educating my children has been a tough challenge. Receiving this money means that I will restart my livestock trade. Hence, my family will be receiving substantial income as before, and thus resume their more satisfying lifestyle. Accordingly, my children shall amply continue pursuing their studies and dream goals.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is the evening when I am resting and interacting with other members after accomplishing my farming tasks. This is the moment that I get updated on what has transpired in our village since it's one of my obligations as a village elder to be always informed.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
About 3 years ago, my mother got mentally sick. I had to pay for her medication because I found that my brothers were less concerned nor ready to raise the needed funds. Also, my mother is a widow. As such, I spend all my savings and business funds on treating and caring for her. Though she has adjusted significantly, she is yet to recover fully. Unluckily, my livestock trade had to stop since I could not afford to finance it. Accordingly, I have been struggling to sustain my family since then. Hence, my mother's ailment serves as the biggest hardship I have faced in life.
