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
55000 KES ($444 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Having a mini-mart has always been a dream of mine. I've always been fascinated by the seemingly endless number of people the shop attendant would interact with while on duty. This always made me want to run a business selling cereals and other everyday items at reasonable prices and in plentiful supply and stock.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
To be honest, I never expected to accomplish some of the things I have, thanks to GiveDirectly. I still can't believe I own a cow! My dreams have become a reality far exceeding my wildest expectations. GiveDirectly excels at being the light that shines brightest in the darkest hours of need for recipients.. We thank you immensely.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Having to sell charcoal at Bamba Market leaves me with very little in the way of savings. As a result, purchasing a cow was not something I anticipated doing in the near future. I am the proud owner of one as I write this, thanks to GiveDirectly funds! Along with this, I constructed a two-bedroom house with a front and back verandah. I pay $0.7 on a motorbike to transport my charcoal to Bamba Market, and while I sell a sack for $3.5, sales are few and far between, and profits are rarely high. As a result, even my child's PP2 school fees of $1 per month at Kalongoni Primary were sometimes intimidating. I paid a few months in advance.and used some of the remainder to buy food since farming our 1.5-acre farm proved difficult due to the drought. We would not have been able to achieve everything we have as a family without GiveDirectly.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($497 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I had just arrived from the shop where I had gone to purchase flour to prepare lunch since we always have two meals per day. After reaching home I noticed there is a message on my phone. I was overwhelmed with joy when I realized that I had received my transfer. I had never received such a huge amount of money in my life. I was grateful for the 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 currently able to meet my needs especially food without any struggle. Furthermore, I have a future investment for my family which will support me whenever I face any challenge as well as educate my small children.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 34000 to purchase 2 indigenous dairy cows. This is a future investment for my family. I am planning to be selling milk to earn a living that will assist me in educating my kids in the future. Similarly, it will help me whenever I face any financial challenge. I also spent KES 20,000 to construct a decent shelter for my family since the one I had was about to collapse. I bought food with the remaining amount.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means I will fulfill my desire of owning a retail shop in the village. Most people hailing from my village are forced to travel to the nearest town to purchase basic household commodities like maize flour, wheat flour, cooking oil among others. Setting up my shop in the village means I will tap all these customers and make handsone profits. The profits from the retail shop will help my family in meeting basic needs and at the same time my husband will be able to use the money to cater for his school fees.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The afternoon is the happiest part of my day. I have gone through alot in life. Food insecurity has been the norm for my family. However, I rejoice during the afternoon hours because this the time my sister in-laws are back from school and we sit together and make stories.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is the biggest hardship I have been facing in my life. Getting the normal three meals a day has been a dream for my family. Sometimes we are forced to sleep without eating anything. This has been attributed by the lack of a reliable source of income to cater for my family's needs.
