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 ($481 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?
The transfer from GiveDirecly has fully transformed my life. We used to live in sad conditions. Our house was small, our bed was the traditional one and very small with poor bedding. We had no money and could not afford to change our living conditions. We relied on making and selling charcoal for a living. Once we received the transfer from GiveDirecly, things changed. We constructed a new, spacious and comfortable house; we bought a standard bed and mattress. We also bought 14 goats which is an investment for the family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has done well by giving money without restrictions to many people living in poverty. This has improved the lives of many, including myself. From the transfers, we have built comfortable houses, purchased livestock and fed our families. So far so good, everything Is well with GiveDirecly. It’s a perfect organization.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My dream was to own livestock with my family. This has been impossible to achieve since I had no stable source of income instead of selling charcoal and fetching firewood for my neighbors at a fee, until a few weeks ago. When I received the second transfer, I bought 14 goats that I am currently rearing. I am keeping them with the hope of seeing them multiply to help me in meeting my upcoming financial needs in the future. I paid school fees for my five primary school children as well as buying some new clothes for all of us. I also bought a standard bed and mattress since the ones we had, were smaller and worn-out.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($506 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 exactly 9 am when I received the message of the transfer. I was in my house chatting with the grandchildren after completing morning chores. I felt very happy for receiving the transfer since I had never received such a huge amount of money before.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Having a reliable source of income after starting goat rearing is the biggest difference in my daily life. Currently, I have something to rely on whenever I face any financial challenge.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $235 to start a livestock rearing activity by purchasing 5 goats, I have desired to own livestock like others but I lacked the financial capacity. In addition, I bought 20 iron sheets this was for the construction of a new house since the one I have is very small. I also bought a bicycle for $100, this was to assist me in fetching water for the family since we are experiencing drought in our area and we had to walk for a long distance this important resource. The remaining amount helped me in purchasing clothing for every member of my family.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have desired to invest in livestock because this is the only way I can save my money to earn me profit when I sell them after they multiply. I, therefore, intend to start with 10 goats that will cost me $300 of my first transfer. The remaining amount of the first disbursement will cater to food expenses and other household needs. With the second transfer, I plan to extend my house with 2 rooms because the one I have is not spacious enough to accommodate my grandchildren with whom I share a room. I will spend $400 to ensure the house is complete. I will use the remaining amount to buy a new bed and a mattress to replace the old ones which do not give me nice sleep, and hence, this will guarantee me a better livelihood.
What is the happiest part of your day?
After doing my household tasks in the morning, I usually get ample time in the afternoon to rest. The resting rejuvenates me most and this gives me the feeling of happiness. Therefore, I consider the afternoon as the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am a housewife and I majorly depend on my husband who is working as a charcoal vendor. His job is very tiresome and time-consuming yet its income is very little such that, it can not fully support the needs of the family. Consequently, we sometimes skip meals or borrow from my relatives something that never gives me peace since I usually feel ashamed. Therefore, I consider the lack of a reliable source of income as my biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life.
