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
55000 KES ($454 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My next plan is to purchase a dairy cow, which would enable me to cut down on the cost of buying milk daily. I plan to realize this dream by taking up a loan from my employer and also saving the daily profit from my poultry project.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The support from GiveDirectly empowered people equally in my society during these hard economic times. People met their goals on time by paying school fees for their children and others built decent houses. Throughout my interaction with the program, I did not witness any inefficiencies. Above all, I am grateful for the unconditional support that lifted our lives to the next level.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Initially, I had taken a loan from my employer to secure a parcel of land which my neighbour was selling. Though, the amount that I got was not enough to offset the debt fully. I am a teacher married and blessed with two children. Upon receiving my transfer, I thought of clearing the outstanding amount because the landowner was on my neck all the time. Therefore, I used $500 in settling the deficit. Thereafter, I used the remaining $50 to pay the school fees for my children who are in a private school. I feel that a heavy burden was lifted off my shoulder because it was an uphill task due to my financial status. I am forever grateful for the support that lifted my living standards highly.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($474 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 on a Wednesday morning when I heard my phone vibrate when I checked, it was a confirmation of my first transfer. I also heard my neighbors celebrating and we all thanked God for the support.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the great changes that have happened in my household. I am grateful to Givedirectly for coming in when I was at the verge of giving up.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With the first transfer, I managed to spend KES 30,000 in paying for a piece of land that I had bought but I had not completed paying for it. I was happy that is was able to clear part of it and waiting for my second transfer so that I can completely settle the debt. I also spent KES 5,000 on paying school fees for my two kids who are in the academy. They studied peacefully throughout the term without being sent home. I also spent KES 6500 on purchasing a bed and a mattress that replaced the old ones that I had worn out. I am happy that we sleep in a comfortable and warm place. The remaining amount, I spent on buying food and clothes for my entire family members.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means debt clearance. I bought land which I have not cleared paying for it. The owner has demanded the remaining amount and I am worried that he might sell it to another person. So when I receive this transfer I will use KES 80,000 to pay for the land and the remaining amount I will use to meet my other household needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
When I got transferred to teach in this area, I used to live in a rented house. I never like the place because of poor hygiene in that area. I took a loan and bought land and build a house. This has brought joy and happiness into my life since I now have a place to call home.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
We value cow for milk and getting it has been a challenge since I do not have a cow. This has been attributed to limited space for the cow to graze and a lack of money to purchase it. I buy from vendors 1 liter per day which is insufficient for my household yet I have young children who need milk for their growth. This has given me sleepless nights wondering where to get money to purchase the cow.
