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.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
In my village, we have started a savings plan to help us achieve our development goals. So, when I got my transfer this month, I set aside KES 2000 to raise money to buy a 3000-liter water tank. There are multiple water scarcity issues in our community, a situation that hinders me from doing active poultry farming. With the water tank, I shall be able to harvest rainwater to address this issue. As a result, l will be able to provide adequate water for my livestock during dry seasons. This will spare me the trouble of having to walk a longer distance, about 3 hours. I am so hopeful that my livestock rearing venture will be more successful.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well in giving us the transfers unconditionally and educating us well about their project. This has enabled us to plan for ourselves and achieve our financial goals with ease through the monthly support. We are now able to think of viable projects within the 5 year period we will be benefiting from the program. I do not see anything that GiveDirectly does not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am grateful to GiveDirectly for the transfer because I was able to buy enough foodstuffs such as cereals that can take us for weeks. I depend on casual jobs which do not pay much and providing for the family has been a challenge. The little money I get from the casual jobs is not enough to buy food daily as well as pay school fees. I am happy that through the recent transfer, I was also able to pay fees my three children currently in primary school. I paid for them on time so that they can comfortably continue with their studies without interruption on fees.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
That day I was at home worrying about where I would get another job to make some little money to feed my family. The little jobs I would get we're not consistent in that if I do get work today it would take a few more days to get another. When in between thoughts I heard a text come in and saw that I had indeed received the money, I was overjoyed.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that things will get better. I now have hope that my path would now be straight. Doors open and the future bright from the income I now have.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
That first transfer that I got from Give directly I spent it on school fees. I was able to pay the KES.1200 balance I owed the school. I know that education is the key to success and I worry that I would not be able to pay school fees all the time but with this program, my children will be able to get the education they deserve. I am a casual worker mostly working in construction sites and it has been difficult to earn a living. Sometimes we only get two meals a day but I know things will get better.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I keep chicken for sale, a business that I have done for almost 3 years now. Though the project has been successful, I have been longing to build a separate house for them. GiveDirectly transfers will enable me built a good house for my chicken. As well, I will boost the chicken population which will help me make more sales.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am happy that I have managed to go through the Corona Virus pandemic. I used to read news of how deadly the disease is, I must be very lucky to be alive with my family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I regret not to have finished school. My father, who was the sole breadwinner died while I was in class three. My mother, the last wife to my late father resorted to sell charcoal. Being her only son, I also decided to leave school to offer a helping hand to my stressed mother. Though I am doing some chicken rearing business, I believe I would be much far better than how I am today.
