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
53075 KES ($523 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?
My life is different from how it was before I started receiving the transfer from GiveDirectly. Nowadays I worry less. Through the transfers, I have been able to meet most of my needs. I managed to invest in farming. I am proud to say we are almost harvesting and this time, the products are healthy since I bought all the required farm inputs. I will definitely get a bumper harvest because everything was done on time. In addition to that, I also bought a few goats. The goats will come in handy since I can decide to sell them in case of an emergency. Apart from that, I am also living in a decent house. I attribute all these achievements to GiveDirectly.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly uplifted the living standards of people in the village. People have accomplished most of their dreams. I applaud their new way of helping the poor. It is unique and effective since most of the money ends up in our hands.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I started building my new house using the first transfer but it was still incomplete. When I got my second transfer, I managed to cement it. It looks good and easy to clean. Apart from that, I bought some household items like seats and a bed. Previously I had outdated seats that would fall anytime someone sat on them. I also didn't have a bed. I used to sleep on the floor. I can not imagine the good sleep that I nowadays enjoy after building the house and buying the bed. In addition to that, I also bought a water tank. I nowadays drink clean water. I also stopped going to the river to fetch water because after buying the water tank, the harvested rainwater is able to sustain us up to the next rainy season. I finally bought a goat with the remaining amount. I am hopeful that it will soon multiply and increase in number. This will definitely increase my assets and make me wealthier.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($547 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
I bought building materials to build a new house.This means we live in a larger house and we never get rained on anymore.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was happy to receive the cash. I saw myself fulfilling all my dreams.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I used this transfer to buy building materials to build a new house as I had a thatched roof which leaked when it rained.
Enrolled
access_time almost 6 years ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I am facing in life is lack of enough food. I am unable maintain my farm properly due to lack of money to buy certified seeds and fertilizer. I usually get poor harvest that cannot feed us year long.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning when I go weeding. The only hope I have is in the farms as a source of food to my household.
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a beginning of a better life. I would like to spend the transfer on building a new house. I am currently living in a leaky house that is uncomfortable during rainy season.
