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 ($484 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?
No, I did not have a new goal because the one I had in mind was to send my children to school and I am so glad that I achieved it. Before the coming of GiveDirectly, they used to stay home for weeks as a result of not paying the fees on time. I am grateful that for now, they are no longer worried and their permanence has even improved.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in my entire village by ensuring that every needy household was attended to. Also, the money was unconditional and we had the chance to choose what we felt was good for us. On the other hand, I do not see any sector GiveDirectly failed us.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying a pair of oxen at KES 26000. I am grateful to have them because I feel there will be a relief to be especially in my agricultural activities. For all those years I have been using my own hands when plowing my farm which was relatively tiresome. Also, I cleared fees arrears of 15000 for my children who are both in colleges and primary schools respectively. I later cleared the medical expenses of KES 2000. I have been quite unwell for some time. With the remaining amount of money, I bought sufficient foodstuffs for my family and other household items.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($490 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
As I was rest just sitting idle at home, my friend came running and I was worried what might have befallen her. But looking at her she was very happy and I was curious to know the source of all her happiness. She only took out her phone and said, “GiveDirectly!” Immediately my helper went for my phone in the house to confirm if I had received my transfer too. In a few seconds we were all happy and excited after the transfer message was seen in my phone too.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Settling my children school fees has mark a big difference in me and my children’s academic journey. Initially they used to be sent home regularly for school fees but since the day I received the transfer from GiveDirectly they are very comfortable in school conducting their studies.
Again, my health condition has been very poor for quite some time due to lack of money to take myself to the hospital. But since the time I got this transfer, my health is slowly being restored back. I was able to get some medical attention and I am still going on with the medication.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have been suffering of chest pains for a sometime. After withdrawing the money before looking at my health, I decided to clear the fee balances for my 3 primary school children. I paid KES 10000.00 to the school so that my children could be retained in school for proper learning. Thereafter I went for an x-ray for my chest and spent KES 5950.00 for the x-ray and the medicines I was given. I also bought 4 goats for KES 10000.00.
For the remaining amount, I decided to use it for food and also my monthly reviews in the hospital where I was told to go for check-ups once a month
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means good health, good education for my children and livestock production for me. For the past three years, I have been having health complications. I experience alot of pains in my thorax. My breasts swell and become painful especially during the night. This whole thing makes me very unhappy. I am planning to set aside the first transfer for my whole diagnosis process and medication. For the second transfer, I will set aside 10,000 KES for my two children's education. They are still in primary school. Due to the issue of drought in this area, I am planning to venture into livestock production. Crop production comes with so many loses due to the unreliable rainfall. I am intending to use a total of 15,000 KES to buy five goats. Goats can survive in this climate. In the future, the goats will have increased in number and I will sell them and earn an income. I will then use the remaining amount of money to buy foodstuffs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening. I sell the local alcohol from morning to late in the afternoon. I get home at around 7. PM in the evening. This is now the time I rest after the long day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have ever faced in life is lack of money. I have two children who are school going. Clearing their school fees and also catering for their needs is a challenge for me. The money I get from my business of selling alcohol is not enough to sustain us all. Almost all of the money goes into buying food. I have also been unable to go to the hospital due to the lack of funds. I have a thorax problem that is yet to be diagnosed.
