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 ($518 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?
Had it not been the transfer from GiveDirectly, then I would still be living in my small grass thatched house. My life is currently different because I now live in an iron roofed house. I wouldn't have managed to buy any of these were it not for this financial support.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well in the selection of the needy households. We were in abject poverty but our lives have changed since receiving the money. I don't see anything that GiveDirectly does not do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent my second transfer on buying some building materials in order to build a new house. I have now finished the construction and I am living peaceful with my family after living in a grass thatched house for many years. I also paid the labour cost and other expenses incurred in building this house. I spent the remaining amount to buy foodstuffs and other basic needs for my family and paying for some other household expenses.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($539 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
I was living in a very small house that was not spacious enough to accommodate my family. Though I had desired to upgrade to a better house, I did not have enough money to buy materials. GiveDirectly has fulfilled my dream of owning a decent house which I am currently sheltering with my family. My children no longer seek shelter elsewhere. To me, upgrading to a spacious and decent house is the biggest difference in my daily life.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was my helper who informed me that there was a message from GiveDirectly in the morning. As he read the message on my phone that I had received my first transfer, I could not hold back the joy that instantly filled my heart. I greatly rejoiced with my family upon receiving the news as we planned on how best we could spend the transfer to improve our living standard.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent KES 24500 of the transfer on buying enough materials in order to construct a new house. I have been living in a small house that could not even accommodate my children thus forcing them to seek shelter in the neighbourhood at night. However, the money has empowered me to build a new spacious and decent house to live in with my family. In addition to building the house, I also cleared fee arrears for my children, KES 10000 for one in college and others in primary level since they were constantly sent home over the past months. Paying for them has enabled them to be allowed back to school and continue with their studies without any interruptions on school fees. On the remaining amount, I am spending it on buying and providing food daily for my family as well as paying for other household expenses.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My long time desire has been to live a decent life with my family, a wish that has not materialized yet and this has forced me to do jobs which are considered man dominated due to their tedious nature. Since there is no option, I am always expected to be in the bush burning charcoal for my family's upkeep. This has really drained my energy and I am looking forward to changing my life for the better when I receive the transfers from Givedirectly. I plan to construct a good house for myself because the one I currently have cannot accommodate my family. Being a widow with no business skills, I wish to buy ten goats for rearing, an oxen and ox plough to upscale my farming and also use the remaining amount to support my children's education.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Despite all challenges I face during the day doing tiresome jobs in order to earn me income, I only find my happiness in the evening when I am able to provide food for my family. This is because seeing my children enjoying their meals makes me feel very happy for the role I play as a parent and therefore, this is the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am a widow, unlearned and a mother to six children. This means that, I am the only bread winner for the family, something that forces me to venture into tedious jobs which drain my energy yet they pay very little. With everything I earn spent on food, my children's education has been affected negatively since in most cases, they are always at home due to school fee areas.Therefore, lack of reliable source of income is my biggest hardship.
