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.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
This year, my aim is to accumulate sufficient funds from my transfers. I aspire to channel this money into a venture that generates income, although I have not yet settled on a specific investment opportunity. Ultimately, upon my return home, these funds will play a crucial role in establishing a solid foundation for my future. I am immensely thankful for the assistance provided through these transfers, as it has significantly improved the livelihood of my family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Fortune smiled upon me when I secured a job opportunity abroad. Recognizing the potential for stable income, I embraced this chance wholeheartedly. In my homeland, my mother, three siblings, and I grappled with meeting our daily needs due to the absence of well-paying employment, often relying on sporadic work opportunities. Since relocating, I've diligently utilized the financial transfers to support my family back home. Out of this assistance, $34 was directed towards covering the school fees for my three siblings currently enrolled in primary education. Additionally, I entrusted my mother with purchasing a goat for $34 on my behalf, providing a tangible asset to anticipate upon my return. The remaining $34 was allocated to procure essential food supplies for my family's sustenance. Witnessing the positive impact of these transfers on my family's well-being brings me great satisfaction.
14th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($24 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the upcoming year and beyond, my primary goal is to achieve the successful launch of a boutique business, utilizing the funds obtained through my transfers. This endeavor holds the potential to not only augment my income streams but also establish a foundation of economic stability for me. Alongside the initiation of the boutique business, I am keen on venturing into livestock investment, a prudent choice for future financial growth. This strategic investment offers the advantage of being a valuable asset that can be liquidated in times of urgency, providing me with the necessary resources to address unforeseen needs.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Utilizing my July transfer, I directed the funds towards covering the school fees of my three siblings enrolled at Bengoni Primary School. Previously, my siblings heavily relied on our mother to finance their education. Our mother's income primarily stems from the sale of livestock during village market days. However, given the limited nature of her earnings, meeting the comprehensive needs of our family proves to be challenging. In recognition of this, I took the initiative to alleviate my mother's burden by assuming the responsibility of paying for my siblings' school fees. The impact has been immensely gratifying, as the transferred amount has enabled my siblings to consistently attend school. This stands in stark contrast to the past when frequent instances of being sent home due to financial constraints were a common occurrence. The present scenario has undergone a positive transformation, resulting in a significant reduction in such occurrences. Consequently, their educational commitment and dedication to their studies have been enhanced, ensuring a focused and diligent approach to learning.
8th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($28 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
As I continue to get my transfer, my goal has been to service my pending loan. I bought a motorbike on credit last year in October, and I have been servicing that loan. I will always spend $20 monthly on paying that loan and $10 on food. I am glad that I have been relieved from the pressure from the creditors. From the motorcycle, I can always get $4 daily, and in the subsequent days, supporting the family has been easier than before. I am glad I can easily support my family of three, my wife Neema, my daughter Laura, and myself. My wife is a housewife, hence I shoulder all the household expenses.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a skillful fashion designer. However, I have relied on friends with sewing machines to provide tailoring services to my clients. Since I started receiving transfers from GiveDirectly, I decided to save them to acquire a new sewing machine. From the recent transfer, I saved $34. I hope to run a tailoring shop once I get a new sewing machine. It will enable me to generate income. I am currently struggling to make ends meet. As a result, I will be able to assist our nine-member family. As a result, my mother, who relies on selling livestock, will be relieved from the burden of keeping the family.
6th Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($25 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have saved KES 9000 of the last three months’ transfers in a savings account with the aim of purchasing a sewing machine. I have a certificate in fashion and design but I have not been able to secure a reliable job, hence I have not practiced it much. Receiving the transfers is an eye-opener and through them, I am yet to acquire a sewing machine so that I can set up a tailoring shop. We are six in our family, all under the care of my mother who does not have a reliable income to sustain us. The money I will make from the business will be a boost to our household income.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($26 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 comparison to other NGOs, I believe GiveDirectly performs well when it comes to sending money via Mpesa. This approach aids in reducing fraud and ensuring beneficiary safety. Furthermore, it follows up on a regular basis, putting it in direct contact with each recipient. Finally, GiveDirectly's program is helping to bring back people's dreams through direct cash transfers. On the contrary, I have not yet witnessed what GiveDirectly does not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Despite the fact that I am a young girl who has not yet married, I have been driven by the desire to have my own source of income. So, when I received my transfer, I considered saving the entire amount with the goal of purchasing a sewing machine. Because I have dressmaking skills, I plan to set up a tailoring shop at home using the sewing machine. I am hopeful that as a result of this, I will be able to earn extra money, making it easier for me to support my parents.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($26 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 at night around 10pm when my phone alerted me through a message tone of the incoming message. I was anxious and even thou I was half asleep and half awake .I jumped out my bed with excitement once I saw the mpesa message. I could not hold my joy but shared the good news with my mother the same night.I slept planning of how I would spend the cash the next day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life would be my goal of having my own business . My plan is to save my next five months transfer and buy the sewing machine. I hopefully believe with the support program eventually with what I learned in school I will be among the best tailors in the village and am glad that I will not be looking for a job but running my own business which is why I took the course in the first place.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My goal has been to build my career from the tailoring training that I have done.Being brought up in a big family of seven children,it has been quite a challenge to start something of my own and its enough that my parents took me to a tailoring college.On receiving the cash I spent part of my transfer of KES 1000 to buy myself some new clothes.I was happy to change my image from wearing my worn out old clothes and such are my personal needs that I need not to ask my parents to cater for because their focus is to my younger siblings. The rest KES 2000 went to my savings to buy a sewing machine which costs around KES 15000.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Self-employment is my top priority at the moment. I have been idle for 3 years now after doing a 2-year tailoring course. I have been unable to start my own business due to the unavailability of the required initial capital. I intend to use 15,000 KES to buy a sewing machine. With the skills that I acquired, I am optimistic that I will attract many customers. Making a profit of roughly 300 KES. I will not only be taking care of myself but also helping my parents to pay school fees for my 4 younger siblings.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have a 16 years old younger sister who successfully sat for her final primary examination a week ago. I was very glad because hopefully, she will be joining secondary school in a few months.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The thought of being jobless and having done a tailoring course for 2 years pains me. My parents have not been able to support my business idea due to lack of money. My father is jobless. My mother works as a community health volunteer. This occupation does not earn her enough to support me. The income is mainly spent on food. For three years now, I have been idle without a proper plan for my future, all due to poverty.