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 ($461 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?
Yes, my goal now is build a house. I managed to buy all building materials with the recent transfers and now I want to focus on building the structure and roofing so that my family can have enough space.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I want to comment GiveDirectly for the amazing charitable contributions towards getting us out of poverty. Majority of the people in this Village wouldn't have gotten where they are now if it was not for the transfers.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Living in a two- roomed house which servers as the living room, kitchen and bedroom with my family ( husband and seven children) has not been enjoyable. My life-long goal was to add some two more rooms so that my children can enjoy having their bedrooms. Being in a charcoal burning especially for the last few years has not been easy for my husband because of the prolonged drought. Sometimes I pity him for he has to cycle for kilometers for him to get enough charcoal cycle for more kilometers for him buyer. The small profit that he get of KES 1000 per week can only cater for basic needs and therefore, he has not been able to save towards extending our house. I spend KES 27,000 to buy iron sheets, KES 6600 to buy to sacks of maize which can take us for two months, KES 4700 to pay school fees and the balance to buy other household necessities.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($485 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 at the field looking after my goats when I received a message notification on my phone. I was curious about the content of the message since it was unusual to receive any message at that time. I remember it was around 10 am, after checking the phone I realized that I had received my transfer. I felt very happy about receiving my transfer since I was sure that the project that we had planned with my wife will finally be achieved.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I was able to acquire a bicycle that has really helped me assist my wife in looking for water for our consumption. This had raised the family's affection unlike before where she was forced to carry water on her back for a long distance.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer to purchase a bicycle for KES 14,000. This was to help me in looking for water for my family because of the drought that strike our area. Previously, my wife had to walk a long distance to get this precious commodity something that makes her constantly complaining about body aches. In addition, I bought 14 iron sheets for KES 650 each this was for the construction of a shelter for my 2 grown-up children who were seeking shelter from their grandfather. Furthermore, I supported the education of my 5 children by paying the school fees arrears. It was 3 months since I paid the school fee and their balance had reached KES 10,000. I also bought food for the family with the remaining amount.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means good housing, good education for my children and food security. I have 5 children. Sleeping under the same roof with my children lowers my dignity. I intend to use 30,000 KES to construct another house. I will then transfer to the new house together with my wife and leave the older house to my children. The five children are also attending school. Paying their school fees has been a challenge to me. I work as a charcoal burner. The money I get is not sufficient to feed us and also pay school fees. I am planning to use 10,000 KES to clear school fee arrears of my children. I will then use 15,000 KES to buy 5 goats. Goats will help me buy food in this way. When the goats grow and start increasing in number. I will be selling a few and earn income. I will then be using that income to buy food for my family. I will also use 10,000 KES to reinforce my old house. The house that I will leave for my children. Once I reinforce the house with pillars made of stones, it will be strong and durable. The remaining amount of money will go into buying food for my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening. I spend my whole day in the forest cutting down trees for charcoal burning. This task is very tiresome. It is in the evening that I get time to rest.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have ever faced in life is lack of enough money. Charcoal burning does not provide me with enough funds to fully satisfy my family of 5 children. All the money I get goes into buying food and medical bills. This makes me fail to fully pay school fees for my children.
