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.
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($501 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
check
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life has improved so much because i have build enough houses in my homestead. My heart is filled with joy to see that my family have enough rooms to use. I even have an extra house that I can use to house guest whenever they have to spent a night at my place.Home improvement would not have been possible without GiveDirectly because I get very little from my peasant farming practice.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in my village. They followed a clear process that they had introduced to us during a meeting they held to teach us. No one was left out because we all knew what process was being followed.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent the second transfer on putting up a house to improve my homestead. I build this one for the purpose of using it whenever I have guests sleeping over. I used the money to buy building materials and paid for the construction labor. I then bought food for the household. I then saved some of the money in my mobile money account.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($546 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
attach_money
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
Not lacking foodstuffs and a decent place to live in is the biggest difference in my life. I make money from selling milk and then use it to buy foodstuffs. I also enjoy taking milk and making tea using milk from my own cow. Initially, I would have to buy milk which was very expensive. I was always forced to do menial jobs to earn a little wage that I would use to buy milk. I am glad that I get both the milk for use and money instead of spending the little I have.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was happy the moment I received the transfer because I knew I will now be able to build a new house and buy a cow. The message erased all the doubts I had previously. Initially, I thought they were just like other NGOs who came took our credentials but never came back to fulfill their promise. I thank this organization for keeping their promise and enhancing our livelihoods by sending us the transfers.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my first transfer to constructing a house. The house construction is ongoing at the moment and there is hope that my life, in general, will improve as a result. I have been living in a dilapidated house for a long time now thereby having the means to build a new one makes me feel great. Apart from that, I also bought a dairy cow because I needed to have a source of income and milk for consumption. From the sale of milk, I am able to care for the cow and also buy foodstuffs for my household.
Enrolled
access_time almost 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money will enable me renew my house.The house I currently live in is a very old hut which leaks during rainy seasons.I have also been working as a casual labourer in order to get what to eat daily.This strains me a lot considering my age but I have to do it since I have no one else to fend for me.When I receive this money,I will also buy a cow.Having one will lessen looking for casual jobs since I will be tending to them and through milk sale I will be assured of an income to meet my needs especially food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Everyday,I leave my house early to look for a casual job for the day.Getting one will determine whether I will have a meal or not.On most days,I get something to do.By afternoon,I complete the job and go back home.Coming back with some money to buy food makes afternoon the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced is having to work as a casual laborer in order to survive.My spouse died in the year 2010 and all my children already live on their own.Since then,I have had to work on people's farms for a small amount of money.What I get is barely enough to buy food and sometimes I go hungry.Working at my age tires me but at the same time I have no choice.This is my biggest challenge now.
