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 ($424 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My next investment in the coming years would be in the construction of a decent house for my family. This is because the house I had was old, and I was unable to build a new one due to financial constraints. I don't have any money right now, but I am praying to God for a way out.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
What GiveDirectly did well as educate the community on the enrolment process which was fair and transparent. When they arrived at my house, the field officer was polite and humble, which was not what I expected. Everything the organization did, in my opinion, was remarkable, so I did not encounter any inefficiencies.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
GiveDirectly's assistance lifted a heavy burden from my shoulders. I am a mother of seven children who makes a living by weaving ropes. When I receive my second transfer, I spend the entire amount on specialized medical care for my son, who has been sick for years. This was very expensive for us, and we couldn't afford it because of our limited resources. I'm relieved that he received the best treatment. I am grateful for the financial assistance that has significantly improved my standard of living.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($495 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received the transfer I felt so happy. I remember it was around 10am. I was just at home relaxing when I heard a message tone from my phone. My son was around and he helped me out to check it. He said that it was a message confirming that I have received money from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy because I have never received such amount of money before. My children felt so happy and grateful for the support. I knew I would be able to take my child who was not feeling well to hospital. GiveDirectly has changed our living standards and we are so grateful.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have purchased a dairy cow. I used to buy milk daily and this was so costly for me. I depend on casual jobs and small scale farming. The amount of money that I get through this is so small and I was not able to buy a dairy cow. It was always my wish to own a dairy cow someday. Whenever I had no money I would not get milk and this was so demoralizing. Currently I have a dairy cow and I get enough milk for the family and I am so happy for this. I earn an income but selling the extra milk to my neighbors. I save save the money to meet other household items. Were it not GiveDirectly all this could not have happened. Currently I devote much of my time on taking care of my cow. I get the feeds and ensure that there is clean water for the cow. I am so grateful because GiveDirectly has changed my living standard to be much better than before.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 35,000 to purchase a dairy cow. I used to buy milk daily and this is so costly for me because I do not have a continuous source of income. I bought a sofa set seats because I didn't had any in my house. I paid bills for my daughter who was not feeling well. I had always wished to take her for check up but I didn't had the money. The rest of the money I bought food and clothes. I am so grateful for support. It has enabled me own things that could have taken quite some time.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a lot to me. I have long to own a better house for me and my family. The one we have currently served as a kitchen room, dining room, and bedroom at the same time. It is not conducive to receive guests also because the smoke chokes the eyes. The smell of soot and smoke also affects my clothes a lot and makes me uncomfortable whenever I go to the market or a place where I can meet people. I want to build an iron sheet roofed house, I will use approximately 30 iron sheets. The total cost of constructing the house will cost me, Kes 60000. The rest of the money I will use to buy a dairy cow and to buy food stuff.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest day is in the morning. This is because it's a new day and I thank God for the gift of life. I don't take it for granted I live each day as it comes and thank God for everyday opportunity to live.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The main challenge here is insufficient food. Agricultural produce does no do well in our place. It is a semi-arid area, I struggle a lot to put food on the table. I do menial jobs and sometimes we go without food, other times we survive by one meal a day. It is not easy and life is unbearable. I am the sole breadwinner as my husband passed on long time ago.
