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 ($430 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My major goals this year is to expand my salon business and build a house on a piece of land that I bought with the second transfer. Achieving this means that I will be able to educate my children once they join high school and support my aged parents and also, my family will have somewhere proudly to call home.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
What GiveDirectly does well is giving people hope in live. Living in poverty is not easy and many people despair. With the unconditional cash transfers, people were able to invest things that will forever change their lives and give them dignity.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a single mothers of two and I have been Living in my parent's house with my two children. I have not been living the best of my life here because I felt like I was a burden to my parents even though they have never told me so. My desire was to purchase a land but being employed as a salon worker, I was not able to raise enough capital towards the same. When I was enrolled in the program, I had only two goal; to open my own salon business and buy a piece of land. Gratefully, I was able to achieve my first dream and I was able to buy a piece of land with my second transfer. I am happy that I now have my own business earning better income and I have my own piece of land. All this wouldn't have been possible were it not for the transfers and I am so grateful.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($461 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was very happy and thankful to God after confirming the receipt of the first transfer from GiveDirectly. I was in the nearby shopping center at around 6:00 pm when I received a message, and since everyone was rushing to collect their money in various mobile money shops. After a week, I withdrew.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the revival of hope of finally moving to a piece of land after making the first deposit. I had been contemplating a move out of my parent's land to start the construction on the new plot since I had been living in a small structure that was already old. I am fretful that I can establish a better life and build a home for my two children.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a single mother of two children living with them on my mother's piece of land. Sharing the few resources within the compound with her has been so hard that I have always hoped to find a place where I can live and provide for my children. The land was small, and I would always prefer leasing another piece from the neighborhood to sharing the same with my mother. I was glad when I received the first transfer and had to spend KES 45000 on making the first deposit for a piece of land from a neighbor. At the moment, I am fencing around after obtaining poles worth KES 5000 and looking forward to making the last payment of KES 15000 when I receive the final transfer. I spent the remaining KES 3000 on buying half a sack of maize for my family that is so grateful for the support from GiveDirectly.
Enrolled
access_time almost 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I got married at a tender age thinking that I would run away from the stress that came with the humble background of my family. I felt great having a family of my own and enjoying a different environment little did I know that I would not last for long. After a short while, my husband turned violent and lost respect for us. We got separated and went back home to bring up my children single-handedly. This has not been easy but I thank God I have managed. As a mother, I am so stressed bringing up children who do not have a home. It is always my wish that I would buy my piece of land and have my family there. This cash transfer to me is a dream come true. I am planning to spend KES 70000 to buy a 0.2-acre piece of land. I see piece in my life having an asset of my own. I will be able to engage in other different economic activities peacefully.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In the year 2018, my elder daughter was diagnosed with a chronic illness. It has been though visiting the hospital each month for her medication. I am happy that she has been going on well with the medication despite the financial challenge. Recently, I also got sick and I was hospitalized for two weeks. Currently, my daughter and I are feeling better though still undergoing checkups. My daughter and health status have been improving is the source of my joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food shortages are the biggest challenge I am currently facing. I do not own any assets thus my hairdressing skill is my main source of income. I spend the much I earn on our medication living us with little or none for our food.
