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 ($475 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?
Education for my children was the goal that was waiting for this last transfer. This is because, the first challenge I wanted to address was the house where my children will be studying when they come from school. The other goal was to get some livestock but that is still pending because of the current drought and famine in our area.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly is doing everything right in my opinion, oersonally I was able to clear my children's school fees arrears and still kept aside some money to buy livestock. I have nothing more than gratitude for everything from GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The project that took a huge portion of the transfer is the education for my children which cost a total of KES13000 in school fees and arrears. I did this because, I believe with a good education my children will be able to look after me in the future since they will get employment. I kept aside a little part of the transfer to get some livestock because currently, the drought and famine is worse and livestock are dying. Therefore, I will get the livestock when the situation improves because it is a very important investment.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($502 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I depend on casual labor of charcoal vending to raise my family of 7 members. This activity requires me to wake up early every morning to walk to the forest for charcoal preparation. I had just arrived home after completing my morning work and preparing breakfast for the family. I heard a loud message notification on my phone upon checking it was the transfer GiveDirectly promised to send us during the enrollment stage. I felt very happy and I had to call my helper to confirm the receipt and we jointly celebrate receiving the transfer.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Owning a decent modern iron-roofed house for the family is the biggest difference in my daily life. Currently, I am living a better life after constructing a modern house with the aid I had received. In addition, I can comfortably meet the other needs of the family like food without struggling.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $200 to purchase building materials for the construction of a decent two-roomed irony roofed house for my family. I have desired to own a modern shelter like others in the village because the one I had previously was a grass thatched and requires constant maintenance which is relatively costly. Furthermore, I used $50 to support my children's educational need by paying part of the school fees. They were constantly staying at home due to fee issues. In addition, I spent $75 to boost my goat's rearing by purchasing two more goats. The remaining amount assisted me in acquiring household utensils and purchase enough food for the family.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money from GiveDirectly means a descent and furnished house for my family. For many years now, I have been living under a grass thatched house with a leaking roof. This has been causing lots of discomfort and illness especially during the rainy seasons. After completing my house, I'm planning to buy a matress and a bed. I have never slept on a descent bed and a matress. I'm planning to use the balance to cater for my daughter's school fees. My daughter is in secondary school, however she has been on and off from school due to the lack of school fees. Getting this transfer from GiveDirectly means my daughter will have enough study time in school translating to improved academic performance.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening. I spend the day in the forest burning charcoal. However , in the evening, am always happy given that I use the evening hours to go take a rest at home.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in my life is lack of a decent house for my family. The house I own looks like a maize granary. Sleeping under this leaking roof has been causing me lots of pain. It has left me a hopeless woman. I look up to the say I'll move out of this miserable life.
