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 ($521 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I feel lucky and blessed since through the financial help from GiveDirectly. I have been able to pay for a plot of land and built my own homestead which has lasted me five years after my husband passed away to accomplish. I am at peace since continuous arguments and quarrel with my in - laws and their children that affect our relationship is a story of the past. Today, we are living happily with my children whom for a period of time forgot how happiness felt like. Thanks to GiveDirectly for bring this difference in my family's lives and mine too.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion , GiveDircetly did well through giving money to us directly without involving intermediaries such as chiefs, village elders and government officials who are always very corrupt. This enhanced transparency all through the project.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent my second transfer to purchase four goats 12,500 KES. I paid school fees for my three children who are in primary school. I am glad that I settled all the arrears for them from last year and part of this year's first term. I also built a new house on the land that I had fully paid and owned its ownership with the first transfer.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($529 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
I had been married for years but my husband passed on leading to frequent conflicts with my in-laws. I had to go back to live with my parents after they forced me out of their home. Because of this, I resolved to save some money in order to buy my own piece of land. I had acquired a piece of land where I was intending to build a home for my family but could not clear the price due to limited resources. I am at peace now because when I received this transfer, I cleared the cost of the plot and now I am ready to start a new life at my own place. Very soon I will be building a home to live peacefully with my children. I am grateful to GiveDireclty for taking me out of this trouble. To me, having fully acquired the plot is the biggest difference in my daily life.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I saw the notification from GiveDirectly early in the morning on my phone as I was going through messages. As I went through it, I could feel the joy and happiness that filled my heart that morning, indeed it was such a blessing to me as I welcomed the new day. I was thankful to them since this was a sign of peace again in my life. I knew the money could allow me to fully acquire the piece of land that I had not completed its payment due to lack of enough resources.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent KES 26000 to clear the payment of a piece of land that I had acquired. I was living with my inlaws after my husband passed on years back. However, Living with them was difficult due to the frequent conflicts that we had. Because of this, I resolved to buy my own piece of land to build a home for my family. I am happy that I enjoy peace in the comfort of my home. Apart from paying for the plot, I also purchased some goats to rearing in my homestead. My expectation is that they will reproduce and increase in number. I will be able to sell in the future to cater for my future financial needs, such as taking my children to higher education. Lastly, I spent the remaining amount to meet the daily basic needs for my family such as foodstuffs and paying for other household expenses.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means an education for my children that will set a good foundation for their future. Educated children have better opportunities and that is what I want my children to have. I plan to save a huge chunk of the money in my bank account for my daughter who will be joining secondary school next year. According to her teachers, she is very bright and performs well in her studies. The rest will go into purchasing indigenous goats that will also be used later to support my children's education. I prefer goats because they are drought tolerant and affordable.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning when I prepare my children to go to school. I was not lucky to get an education but am happy that I do all that I can to ensure my children don't go down the same road.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
After my husband died back in 2007, I had to move back home and start a fresh due to wrangles with my in-laws. I struggled doing odd jobs such as ferrying materials at construction sites just to earn a living. With a minimal and an unreliable pay of 4 dollars a day, I have to feed, educate my children and ensure they have a decent roof over their heads. Sadly, one of my children had to drop out of school and now works to help out with the family expenses. It is my wish to educate my children upto college level but lack of finances to accomplish this is my biggest hardship.
