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 ($464 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?
I am grateful that I was able to achieve one of my goals that were to build a new house. The previous had collapsed and I have been sheltering at my neighbor's houses for the last three years. It is now a relief to my entire household because we no longer have to worry about the harsh weather and the embarrassments we have been through. I however do not have any new goals for now.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The idea of receiving the money directly into my Mpesa account was the best because I could choose what to buy. This freedom has empowered me to own lots of assets including a beautiful house. Therefore, in my opinion, I do not see any part that GiveDirectly needs to work on.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part KES 30009 of my second transfer on paying school fees for my two children who are in secondary schools. This has been the main challenge because I did not have a stable job that could fund their education. I, therefore, had to seek help from the government and the well-wishers. I am now happy because they are now studying without any hiccups. In addition, I bought a water tank (120 liters) at KES 1500. I also bought new clothes for my spouse and kids to replace the old ones that had worn out. People have been calling us names as a result of the state of our clothing, this could lower our self-esteem. With the remaining amount of money, I bought foodstuffs for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($486 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 around 9 am when I was at home relaxing after coming from the forest where I had gone to prepare charcoal for sale. I had left my phone with my helper, upon reaching home my helper break the good news that I had received my transfer from GiveDirectly. I was overwhelmed with joy and I thanked the organization to honor their promises. I had to wait for my husband to plan on how best to utilize our transfer.
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 now living and owning a decent shelter for my family. This has restored the lost privacy after our house collapsed two years ago. I am very grateful for the aid .
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My desire was to construct a decent shelter for my family. For 2 years I had been seeking shelter from my neighbors after our house collapse. This has been eating away our joy and privacy with my spouse. I spent KES 27000 to construct a modern 2 roomed iron-roofed house for my family. Furthermore, I spent KES 15000 to start a goat rearing a future investment for my family. I planned to sell them when they multiply to cater to any financial emergency in the future. I also used KES 14,000 to clear all the term two fee balances for my daughter who is in form 2.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means owning a house. I have been homeless for one and a half years. This is after strong wind blew our house and it fall down that almost cost my life. Since then, my family has been borrowing shelter from neighbours in the compound. It is shameful as a man and his family to borrow shelter but I have no choice due to lack of enough money to build a new house. I depend on charcoal burning business to get money for our basic needs. This business earns me less than 2000 KES a month, which is not enough to meet our basic needs and save to build a house. Upon receiving this money, I will be able to build a two bedroom house. This will cost me 40000KES. I will use the second cash transfer to pay fees for my daughter in secondary school.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of my day is usually in the afternoon. This is because, I leave early in the morning around 6am for charcoal burning. I spend five hours in the bush and return home at noon. At this time, we cook our meal and sit together and eat lunch. After eating we make stories and laugh together as a family which gives me joy amidst all the challenges. This makes me long for this time on a daily basis as it refreshes my mind and soul.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Chronic illnesses have been the biggest hardship that I have ever faced. I have been suffering from ulcers close to three years now. I have spent a lot of money seeking for medication. This has contributed to me and my family being homeless close to two years now. This is because, after our house fall down due to strong wind, I could not afford to buy materials and build another one as much money was used for medication and food for my family. I depend on charcoal burning business which earns me less than 2000 KES a month. This has made it difficult to make any saving for my future. Upon receiving the first cash transfer, I will be able to build my own house and pay for medical expenses. I will then use the remaining amount to pay fees for my daughter who is in form one.
