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 because I managed to settle the huge fees balances and send my children back to school. Some had even opted to drop because they were always frustrated and embarrassed and they couldn't take it anymore. God has been working miraculously into my life becasue the money came at the right time and I had to clear the arrears without delay. Also, the fact that I now sleep comfaotnby in a nice bed has made me a happy soul all the time. I no longer complain of back pains like before. I will forever be thankful to GiveDirectly because if I were to use my money, I would maybe take decades to accomplish this.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly has been doing good in my region and I can't complain at all. First, after every transfer received I was followed up by being asked questions on if I received the cash and how it brought an impact on my life. This really makes us feel loved and being cared for by the organisation. Also, some were visited physically in their homestead which was a good one as well. I do not see any part GD failed us.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second strander on living assets such as goats. I have been admiring to own them for years but becasue of my low time, I could not afford them. Also, I bought some iron sheets, building poles and thread to add a room to my house because it onhad a single one. Also, I bought a bed and a mattress for my children to replace the old ones that they have been using. Later on, I cleared the school fee for my children who are both in secondary school. The reming amount of money, I am using ut in buying foodstuffs for my family
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($500 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 2 in the afternoon when I was taking lunch with my family ten muy phone started ringing alerting me of a new message. I asked my helper to confirm the content of the message. On checking, he realized that it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy and felt like my life had transformed completely.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Having the cow in my compound has brought about the biggest achievement and difference in my daily life. I decide to do dairy family because apart from getting for free I will be selling the remaining liters to the markets and neighbors. It has been my desire for a long period of time but because I was a casual laborer I could not afford it. Currently, the cow is proving us with milk making us healthier. I am also now earning good money from the sale of milk which makes it easier to settle all my bills in time
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some beddings which include a new wooden bed and a mattress. This was to replace the old traditional bed that I have been using for all those years. I have been complaining of some back pains because of its state. Also, I bought a dairy cow worthy of KES 15000. This will be the living asst that I will be leaning in case of any financial constraints. Also, I bought a new wooden door to replace the old one which had worn out. I later cleared school fees arrears for my son who is in his final year. Also with the remaining amount of money, I bought sufficient foodstuffs for my children and good clothes,
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
A modern bed and a mattress is basically my greatest desire that I have ever wished to have. This is because the one I am currently using is made of ropes and on top, I use rugged sacks. My plan once I receive this.money is to spend utmost $150 to buy the buy he bed plus the mattress. On the other hand, I also plan to start livestock rearing especially goats in order to have a long investment project. To achieve this, I intend to start with 10 goats of $25 each. The remaining amount will help me to cater for my children's school fees and also for food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is the happiest part of my day because it is at this time when I find myself relaxed. Unlike in the morning and afternoon hours when I am busy hustling either in the bush doing charcoal work or working at my neighbour's farm.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am a widow and the sole breadwinner for my 2 children who are still in secondary school. Considering the cost of the school fees, I am feeling a burden on me and the only option is to engage in odd jobs like charcoal burning or working for my neighbour in order to earn an income. My earnings are always low and I majorly apply for bursaries which in most cases, I miss. Therefore, the lack of a reliable source of income is my biggest hardship.
