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 ($453 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My new goal is to open a grocery whereby I will be selling fresh vegetables and fruits in the nearby town. I believe that once I will get empowered enough, I will be able to start the business and generate an income, considering that I am the breadwinner who depends on meagre jobs. Once I will succeed, my children will no longer be sent home for fees or miss their other basic needs.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly has made a very great impact on my entire village. This is because every household that was enrolled was offered unconditional cash transfers. For now, 99% of us own iron-roofed houses whereby previously, our houses were small grass-thatched huts. Our children are now studying comfortably unlike before when some were forced to drop out of school because we couldn't afford to pay the fees on time. Therefore I do not see anything that GiveDirectly has not done well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying a dairy cow which cost almost $150. For many years, I could not afford to buy a single cow despite yearning to own them because of the financial challenges that I was undergoing. Therefore after receiving the transfers, my desire was finally fulfilled. I am certain that through this cow, I will be benefitting from the milk that it will be producing daily. I plan to sell to the local dairy shops and earn a living. This will be our major source of income that I can rely on instead of depending on the casual jobs that I have been depending on for years. Also, I had to settle the arrears of $100 for my daughter who recently joined high school. I am glad will not be sent home for the remaining months of the year. This is a motivation for her and I am certain that she will perform very well. Additionally, I settled a debt of $100 to a friend and I am happy that I now have peace of mind. With the remaining amount, I bought food for my three family members and decadent clothes for the children.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($482 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home relaxing in the evening when I received the transfers message. I least expected it that day and for a moment I didn't believe it.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Previously I didn't have peace of mind because I had so much debts and I couldn't walk freely in the village. Peace of mind has prevailed and I can also afford three meals a day for my family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I was enrolled in the program, my goal was to buy livestock since I had lost all that I had to drought and redeem all the arrears that I had. I spent 15000 KES to buy five goats, 1000 KES to buy 5 chicken, 5000 KES to pay fees arrears and 5000 KES to settle food bill that I had accumulated in the nearly shop. I'm in a happy space now that no one owes and I have Peace of mind. With the balance, I'll spend it to cater for basic needs and pay school for my kids once schools reopen. I'm so grateful to GiveDirectly for the financial support.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I intend to start a poultry business. I have two children who are in primary school and one just cleared high school and he desires to go to college.
This business will come in handy once it picks up, I will be in a better position to pay their school fees with ease and still cater to any needs they may have while in school.
I have enough experience since I once tried this business but was not successful. They were infected and gradually died. I am better equipped now in the event I face a similar challenge. I now know more about the infection and how to treat it.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have a savings group where we save up to the end of the year. This December was awesome since I received more as compared to other months. I did not take a huge loan during the year and this contributed to the increase in the amount I received.
I had extra money which enabled me to buy new clothes for my three children and was able to entertain them with different meals as compared to other holidays.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The cost of living has gone high. I am a farmer but I have not been able to get much produce. The last year was a great challenge with no rains, luckily in December It rained and we expected that the rains would last to January only to be disappointed.
What we eat as a family mainly comes from the farm but now I have to incur an extra cost since I have to buy everything from the shops and the prices are very high.
