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 ($502 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?
Apart from the additional source of income that I get from the motorcycle bought using the transfer from GiveDirectly by doing the taxi services, I am proud that this offered an employment opportunity for my brother who is currently running it. The transfers really built my assets as I now have a cow and some sheep which I would have never afforded. I am so grateful for GiveDirectly.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, the project was fairly done. Every household in the village received the equal amounts. This minimized any case of complaints that may have arisen. I would just love if all the nearing villages that haven't received, especially those that are poor would be considered.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent the whole amount of the transfer received to buy a motorcycle. I am currently running a motorcycle taxi business using the motorcycle.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($548 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the source of income that I established from my dairy cow. I enjoy the income from milk sales after I receiving transfers from Give Directly. Without this organization, I wouldn't have managed to buy a cow. I would not have gotten this at the moment because my job as a parent's employed teacher, I earn too little to invest in a cow. It is barely enough for my clothing and personal care products.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
My life changed the moment I saw the money in my mobile money account. Since I had just graduated 2 months ago with my degree in education, I had nothing to do at home. I come from poor family background. In addition to that, my brothers are still in school. Clearly there was no hope of getting capital to start a business as I wait to get employed by the government institutions. I saw it as a huge relief when I was chosen to be among the beneficiaries of Give Directly. I now had hope of living a better life even as I await a permanent job from the ministry of education.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent the money on buying a dairy cow. I had initially planned to buy many sheep but finally settled on a cow because the current rainy season would have been adverse for the sheep. I realized that my neighbor's sheep were dying because of the heavy rains that led to constipation and other poisonous herbs in the forest where we graze. Additionally, I decided on the cow because of the daily income I would get from selling milk to a nearby cooling plant. I would also have enough milk for household consumption. I used the remaining amount to furnish my house and bought some clothes for my children.
Enrolled
access_time almost 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money will enable me start my own business.At my age,I no longer depend on my parents and since I intend to start my own family soon,I need to get a means of earning a living.I intend to venture into sheep farming(rearing sheep)because this is a venture that grows fast.I will purchase 10 sheep for 300 USD and use the remaining amount to build a good shed as well as fence a grazing field for them.I know that within one year they will have multiplied and from that I can start a bigger business.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I always dreamt of being a teacher since when I was very young.It is a service which to me is most noble of all-imparting knowledge to young minds.When I achieved this,I was elated.I now teach at a nearby secondary school and every day I wake up early full of energy and ready to give my all.Am happiest at school that is between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM because it is during this time that I get to do what I love most.Being a teacher is a fulfilled dream for me and serving as one makes me very happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced is raising money for my University education.I completed a few months ago after very tough years.My parents could not afford to pay my fees since I have siblings both in college and secondary school and being the eldest,I decided to struggle on my own.I went to the University through the school based program (studied over the holidays)hence when schools were open,I would teach at local schools around home and make savings for my fees.It was always a struggle since getting enough for a semester in three months was hard.However,I was able to complete and graduate.I now hope to get formal employment so I can help my parents with my siblings' education too.
