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 ($493 USD)
access_time over 3 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 in that I am now self-empowered after starting a tailoring business. Previously, I was depending on my husband who is a casual laborer his income was not enough to fully cater to our needs like clothing. In addition, I am living in a spacious house after constructing an additional room for my kids and visitors. I will no longer have to worry whenever I receive important guests. Lastly, my husband was able to start the dowry payment.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, I thank GiveDirectly for sending the cash transfer which has transformed my life for the better. I am now self-dependent after purchasing a sewing machine because I had the skills in tailoring.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Its has been a year since I got married. I have not been able to pay the dowry as a requirement as per our traditions. This is because of lack of adequate financial resources. After receiving the transfer, I spent $210 to start the dowry payment. I also bought building materials including 10 iron sheets at 7.5 dollars each, building poles and treads this was for the construction of an additional room for the children and visitors since the one I had was very small. With the remaining amount I bought pairs of clothes and enough food for the family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($500 USD)
access_time almost 4 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 1200Hrs and I was in the kitchen preparing a meal. I heard a message come into my phone and when I checked the message, it was the Mpesa message for the transfers. I was very very happy and excited.
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 was able to buy a sewing machine and start my own business.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfers to buy a sewing machine and to repair the floor of my house. I have prior training in tailoring and I was employed as a tailor at the local market. I have one child who is aged 5 years and my husband is unemployed. I am glad I now own my own sewing machine and I can start my own business. I am grateful to GiveDirectly.
Enrolled
access_time 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money will mean a lot to me. My ambition has been to own a tailoring machine since I completed my tailoring course in 2018. Therefore I'll use 100 Dollars to purchase a tailoring machine for business purposes. I'll also use the cash to buy two indigenous dairy cattle at a cost of 150 dollars each to get milk for domestic consumption and for sale. I also live in a single room house and therefore I'll use 250 dollars to expand my house. After doing all this I'll be at peace.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is during the evening. This the time I get enough rest after spending a better part of the day in the farm.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship in my life has been lack of funds specifically funds to finance my education. My schooling was faced with many challenges such that I couldn't manage to proceed past class eight and the only thing my parents could recommend was I get married so that they can use the dowry to supplement the family of 7 with basic needs especially food.
