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.
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($493 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
check
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different than it would have been if I never received the transfer in that I was able to boost my spouse's charcoal vending business. The business is now earning more income than before hence we can meet the needs of the family easier. In addition, my children are continuing with their studies well without being interrupted due to school after full paying for the balance of their fees. Furthermore, I will be assured of food security after purchasing oxen which will assist me in the preparation of my farm.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in sending us the cash transfer which has improved our living standards. Through the transfer, I was able to purchase ox plough which will ensure food security in the family as I will be able to till a large section of my firm. In addition, I was able to clear the school fee for the children.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer on my children's educational needs by clearing the school fee arrears of $150 and bought school uniforms. This is because I am illiterate and I desire to educate my children so that they may have a bright future. In addition, my husband is doing a charcoal vending business and I spent the remaining amount to improve his business. Lastly, I purchased enough food for the family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($499 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received a message notification at around 6 am. I reached for my phone to confirm who the sender was. To my surprise, it was a Mpesa message informing me that my first transfer had been sent from GiveDirectly. I could not contain the joy I felt that morning. To me this was a blessing and I thanked them for their financial help.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Having a pair of oxen which will greatly boost my farming is the biggest difference in my daily life. Initially, I used to hire oxen from neighbours at a fee during the planting season. This was expensive especially when I had to plough my whole farm. This would at times render part of my farm uncultivated. I am happy that from now onwards, I will be doing my farming on time and utilise my whole acreage. This will ensure that I have a good harvest and enough food to feed my family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 34000 of my first transfer on buying a pair of oxen to help me in my farming. I used to hire from neighbours which was costly during the planting season. For the first time now, I will use my own oxen to plough my farm. I will be preparing my farm timely unlike before for a good harvest. In addition to this, I also bought some iron sheets, building poles and nails to construct a house for my children. They are out of age and having their own house will make them enjoy their own privacy.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have ever wished to have a separate house for my daughters who are now grown up yet we share the same room. Due to financial problems, this desire has never come through and this has robbed my joy for a long time. Receiving this money means fulfilling my dream since I plan to spend 30000 shillings to construct a structure for them. On the other hand, I intend to buy oxen and an ox plough for 38000 shillings to upscale my farming. Having done this, my livelihood will change for the better, a transformation that I have long wished for.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Morning is the happiest part of my day because it is at this time when I wake up healthy and ready to take up my day's activities. At this time, I get the chance to interact with my children and prepare breakfast for them before I go to the bush to do my charcoal work. Unlike in the afternoon where I spend it away from home and I always miss my children.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Charcoal burning is the only source of income that I have ever been doing in my life. Considering the nature of this work which is time-consuming and energy-draining, I am always feeling tired and weak but since I have no alternative, I am forced to persevere. Therefore, the lack of a stable and reliable source of income my the biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life.
