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?
I saved the whole amount I received from the transfer. I want to save enough money to buy iron sheets and build and extra room. My house is only one room and it is too small to accommodate all my family members. The plan is to buy poles, iron sheets, nails and other building materials that will be required in the building the house. My earnings from selling palm wine are not enough to take care of my family and also save towards building the house. It is for this reason that I am committed to saving the money from the transfer to ensure that the house project becomes a success.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I already had 4 goats before I started receiving the transfers and I have to admit that they are so beneficial. They come along, especially whenever one is in a financial crisis. Therefore, when I received my first three transfers, I spent KES 7200 on 3 goats. I now have 7 of them, and I am targeting 3 more in three months' time. They give birth twice a year I am hopeful that in two years' time they will have tripled. I will then sell some of them in order to raise money for purchasing a cow which will be of great benefit since I will not only provide milk but the oxen will help in plowing our farm.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, Give Directly does everything right. The approach of giving the recipients money rather than buying items is the best for me. Give Directly also does well in how they enroll people into their programs. We have a chance to learn everything about the program before we decide whether or not we can accept to be enrolled.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have always wanted to own livestock of my own. When I received the transfer I went straight ahead and bought a goat. I decide to buy the goat because I have a great plan on how they will help me in the future. That one goat that I bought is a great investment to me. In the next 2 to 3 years God willing if everything goes right I will have more than 20 goats. When I decide to sell some at the market, it will fetch some good prices. I can then use the money to attend to my needs.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was on job hunting since i am a casual labourer. O had been looking for a job all day and had not fond one. So while i was resting under a tree is when the notification that i had received money from Give Directly came through.To be honest i was a very happy money and felt very lucky.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Well i now have peace of mind in that i have a source of income where i can earn a living. Previously i would go out look for a job and end up comong back home empy handed. I am now a happy man and i feel a lot of peace inside me. Thank you so much.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I bought a goat worth 2000 shillings. I have always wanted to own livestock of my own. I am now happy that i own one. I also used the rest of the money to start a small business where i sell small food stuffs such as fish, Omena and Shark
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My very first plan when I receive this money is commiting the transfers for the first 6 months to buying goats. Goat rearing is something that I have always wished to venture into but lack of money has been the stumbling block. I view this as an investment for the future that will help me educate my children. I like the fact that goats multiply very fast. This money will also help me a lot in buying food and furniture. I currently do not have a seats for visitors but now I have a plan of buying two from the transfers.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Casual jobs are very tiresome. I spend the better part of the day working in people's farms or doing any casual jobs available. Evening comes as a relief since I get to rest and have a good time with my family. This is the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of a stable source of income is the main challenge that I am facing. I depend on casual jobs in people's farms but this depends on the season. During the dry season like this, I find it very difficult to get money to support my family of one wife and two children. Getting a meal for the day is not an assurance. We often skip meals; especially lunch meals.
