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 ($467 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?
I do not have any new goals so far because after receiving the transfers, I discussed them with my spouse concerning the goals. The main one was to own goats, which I am glad we managed to fulfill. We settled for the goats because they reproduce very fast to means we will have many of them within a short period. Through them, we are certain that we will achieve a lot.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly has been doing well in almost all the regions. We all received the money as promised during the enrollment period. This has empowered all my children to be now studying without any obstacles. On the other hand, I do not see any sector that GiveDirectly failed us.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent the second transfer on buying a sewing machine at KES 15000. This was for my daughter who graduated recently from a tailoring college. The money came in good time because my daughter's dream has finally come true. Also, I bought a new bed and a mattress for a total of KES 8000. I have been sleeping on the floor for years ever since I got married. It is now a relief to me because I no longer experience back pain like before. In addition to that, I cleared school fees for KES 3000 for my son who is in primary school, and KES 2500 for my other son who is in college pursuing a driving course. Paying fees for my children has been the main challenge because I have been the family breadwinner of six since my spouse was jobless. With the remaining amount of money, I bought the foodstuffs for the family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($495 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
We are experiencing drought and famine in our area, as a parent, I am required to wake up early in their morning with other relatives to walk 3km to fetch water at the only water source. I was on my way back home with my relatives when I heard my phone ringing. My colleague verified their cell phones and truly it was the transfer from GiveDirectly. Upon reaching home, my helper verified the messages and informed me that I had received my transfer. I felt very happy about receiving my transfer since I had never imagined I would receive such a huge amount of money in my entire life.
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 am a happy person after clearing the fee arrears for my children. Previously, I was confused since I was not able to perform my charcoal vending job due to my chest problem. My kids are also happy that they are going to school without missing classes due to fees problems. Furthermore, I was able to start goats rearing an alternative source of income for the family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have desired to own livestock especially goats like others in the village however I lacked the finances to facilitate my ambition. My job of charcoal burning could not provide me enough income to support my kids' education as well as save for other needs like food. After receiving my transfer, I spent KES 19,000 to start goats rearing by purchasing 6 goats. This is a future investment for my kids, I will be able to sell the male offspring to support the education of my kids. I also spent KES 20,000 to clear the fees arrears for my 2 children, one is in form 3 and the other in class 4. I settle the debt of KES 5600, I had taken foodstuff on loan and I also bought enough food with the remaining amount.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means food security to my household since I plan to upscale my farming. This is because I always till 2 acres of land using a hoe and the much produce I normally harvest 4 bags of 90kg of maize, which last my family of 7for 4 months. I am planning to spend the utmost $400 of my first transfer to buy oxen and ox plough which will enable me to till up to 5 acres of land. This will ensure me getting more harvest to sustain my family of 5 for a long time of almost a year. The remaining of my first transfer I will use on household needs like food. With my second transfer, it will help me pay school fees for my 2 children in secondary school for the whole year so that they will not be sent out of school to collect school fees, this will improve their performance in school.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The evening is the part of my day. This is the time I come home after a busy day of doing the charcoal job.The resting gives me joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is the biggest hardest that I have ever faced in my life. I am a charcoal vendor. The income of this job is minimal, usually $40 per month, and cannot sustain us. Seeking help from my relatives has always been the case and this gives the feeling of shame.
