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
53010 KES ($386 USD)
access_time 11 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have plans to start a grocery business once I get some money. The goal of the business is to serve as my primary source of income since I currently live as a dependent. I hope that using the savings from the casual labor I will manage to accomplish my goal soonest possible.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I would like to commend the organization for the quality of service offered to us by their staff members. This shunned away from any cases of biases and fostered satisfaction in every recipient within the village. I would, however, recommend additional time allocated during enrolment to make sure they enrolled every eligible recipient in the program.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
As a pastor of my church, my heart was not at peace seeing my congregation worshiping in a grass-thatched building. Upon getting the second transfer, I opted to donate to the church by buying 20 pieces of iron sheets costing $200. I felt I had fulfilled my calling since the congregation now worships under an iron sheet roofed building which has brought a nice image of the church. I also bought 10 plastic chairs for $70. These chairs not only serve me at my home but also assist the church members on Sundays since the members used to seat on logs.
Thereafter, I bought a mattress for $140 because I used to sleep on a tattered empty sack. As of now, I am happy that I sleep well courtesy of GiveDirectly. For the remaining amount, I made shopping for some maize flour and rice so that I have food security at home. This eased the burden of my son whom I depend on and he is just a casual laborer.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I recall receiving my transfer as I was returning home from the stream. When my phone rang, I checked to see if I had received any funds from Segovia Technology. The overwhelming happiness I felt was indescribable, and I began jumping up and down in delight. After that, I planned how I would spend my transfer now that we had cash on hand.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The most noticeable difference is the complexion of my house. This was not previously the case because I did not have money due to other obligations such as school. I am pleased and grateful that the organization enabled us to accomplish our objectives in such a short period.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After the death of my husband who passed on four years ago. I was left to fend for my seven children single-handedly. I depend on farming in earning a livelihood. I had started building a decent house for my family but it was incomplete due to financial constraints, therefore I was forced to leave it pending. Upon receiving my transfer, I opted to finish constructing my house where I used $450. Lastly, I used the remaining amount on foodstuffs. I am so happy and contented that finally, I was able to complete my house within a short period.
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have a family of four members. My husband died four years ago and since then I have had challenges taking care of the family. I work as a casual laborer earning around &20 per month which caters only to food. My three children have dropped out of school at Bale primary due to school fees. They dropped out of school due to a fee balance of $30 each. I don not feel happy when I see my children at home while other children are at school but because of my financial constraint then they have to. I will use $ 300 to clear the school fees balance and prepay for the other years so that the children can settle at school. I will also use $700 to build a two-room house and buy two beds plus mattresses for the family. Currently, I sleep on the floor throughout the night. I ever feel tired whenever I wake up in the morning because of the floor. Thanks to Givedirectly for their program.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My house collapsed on April 2022 during the long rainy season. The rain and the wind affected my health. I used to sleep under a tree after the house fell. My uncle gave me one room in his house so to accommodate my family and protect it from the rain and wind in July 2022. I felt happy when I was offered the room .
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My husband died four years ago and left me with the burden of taking care of the family alone. I do casual jobs that Gives me $20 per month. Sometimes I go the whole month without any job. This money caters to food only and it is not even enough. My three children have dropped out of school due to a lack of school fees. Lack of a job is the current problem I am facing in life.
