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 ($465 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
After utilizing the second transfer, an idea popped into my mind and I would like to implement it once I get some cash. This is a plan of keeping goats in large numbers for raring. Although the ones that I bought using the second transfer died but I am not discouraged by that. I want to invest in goats raring once I get some money.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am very grateful for what GiveDirectly did for me. Initially, my shelter was unpleasing, no one would love to be associated with where I was sleeping but as for now I have an adorable shelter and I am very comfortable with it. All this is because of the help that I received from GiveDirectly. In my opinion, GiveDirectly is a well-planned organization that has no fault at all. The programs it had were all well thought and they implemented them perfectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon withdrawing the money, the priority was to build a house. I made it a priority because I had no house at all, the field officers who came can witness that. I cannot clearly state how much the house cost but it took a better percentage of the money. I also bought six goals intending to start an investment in goats raring but unfortunately all the goats died for lacking pasture and water because of the drought that stoke our area. After building the house and buying the goats I used the remaining amount to buy food for the family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($511 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 9 am when I was taking breakfast together with my family when I heard my phone vibrating continuously. Then a message notification came in. I was overexcited after realizing that it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I quickly shared the great news with my other family members with so much joy on my face. It was one of the best days of my life that I will live to remember.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The financial support from GiveDiretcly has empowered me to build a decent spacious house. The previous house was not in a good state at all, its roof was old and leaking during the winter seasons. Therefore I was forced to seek shelter from friends during those seasons. The joy of sleeping under a good house could only remain a dre4am to me and I never thought I would accomplish it someday. I am currently a happy soul since I will no longer have to worry about the heavy downpours. Therefore this brings the biggest difference in my daily life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some building materials which include several pieces of iron sheets, timber, building poles, and nails. This was for the construction of a new house because the initial one was in a very bad state with a grass-thatched roof. In addition to that, I purchased goats that I am currently rearing in my compound. I am now proud because I have assets that are I can depend on in case of any financial crisis. With the remaining amount of money, I bought enough foodstuffs for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My house accidentally got burned 5 year ago, since then I have been seeking refuge in my neighbors house which he used it as kitchen and gallery. I have wished to construct my own house but I have not accomplished my wish due to financial challenges. Receiving this money means I will be able to own a good shelter for myself. I am planning to spend USD 300 to build the house. This will restore the privacy and happiness I have lost for long. The remaining amount will assist me in starting goats rearing something that will be my future investment to help me when I face any financial needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is the happiest part of my day. My job of weaving requires me to always wake up early in the morning to go to the forest to take the weaving materials until evening when I come back home exhausted after a long day of work. I usually relax my body while chatting with my grandchildren, being around them make me happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Failure to meet my desire of constructing a decent shelter for myself due to lack of finances has been my biggest hardship in my life. This has forced me to continue living in someone kitchen, which has affected my healthy due to the constantly smoke I inhale from the kitchen every day. I am happy that I will be able to own a good house for myself with the Givedirectly transfer.
