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 ($502 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Having two more cows on my farm gives me some fulfillment. I am majorly a farmer but I have been keeping a single cow on my farm. I had always wanted to add more cows but with the current financial difficulties, this was not possible. This was until GiveDirectly came to my rescue. Had I had not received these transfers, the dream to have more livestock would have taken longer to hatch.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I loved that the staff from GiveDirectly were professional and polite and to me, they looked well trained. They answer all questions calmly. In my opinion, the project was well done.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent the second amount of the transfer received to buy another dairy cow for rearing. I wanted to ensure that I have more than one cow on my farm so that I can have a full year supply of milk and make a good return from the sale of milk. Even though they are currently but they will soon calve.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($548 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference is that I now have enough milk after I bought a dairy cow. No one would ever imagine I would one day own a cow. I was among the very poor households in our community and most of the time the community would donate food and other household items due to my condition. I am proud to have chosen to buy the cow because it does not only provide food for my family, but also a source of income and assets that can be relied on in times of need.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was extremely happy because I knew I was going to complete my house and buy a dairy cow. These were my biggest dreams and I could have done anything to achieve these two goals. I nearly lost hope in pursuing them since I didn't have a stable job. I depended on casual jobs that paid very little that I couldn't even save much. The coming of GiveDirectly was like a miracle to me. Through the transfers I received from them, I was able to achieve these two goals. There are no words to express my joy and sincere gratitude after receiving the money.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
When I received my first I spent it to complete the house that I had started building a few months ago. I then furnished it and bought a nice warm carpet to improve the appearance of my home. I also felt that the carpet would make my hone warmer considering the harsh climatic conditions of our village. I then bought a dairy cow which is currently our source of income and food. I finally used the remaining amount to buy clothes for my children.
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My first plan when I receive this money from Give Directly is doing more of dairy farming. I will buy one dairy cow(350 USD) to add to the one that I have. Dairy farming will help supplement what I get from my business. Boosting milk production from 5 litres a day to 15 litres a day will help boost my income. Whenever my business is not doing well I will still get to feed my family well. I buy cattle from the village and then sell during market days at a profit. I will use the remaining money to boost this business.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I spend most of my time looking after the cows and feeding them.I get to rest for only 2 hours in the afternoon. This is the happiest part of my day. It feels good taking a break.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
It's been a long journey to where I am now.I dropped out of school when I was 14 years old and became a herdsman. I used to earn 20 USD in a month and life was very difficult and frustrating. This is because I was young and my peers were in school studying. I dropped out of school due to lack of school fees.I am sure that if I had completed my studies I could be somewhere better. I probably would have secured employment and having a stable source of income. I currently do a small business as well as farming. This is not enough to cater for all the family's needs given the tough economic times.
