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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.
Stages:
 
Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Milkah's Profile
Milkah's family
Milkah
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labour
faceAge:
44
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($544 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life has really changed from a village beggar to a responsible parent who can provide for basic needs to his children without stresses and worries. For the first time in life since my husband died, I paid fees for my children without asking for assistance from neighbors and relatives. This makes me filled with joy and peace of mind. I spent some part of the transfer on construction of a new house for my son who has grown up and needs his privacy. I no longer beg for sleeping spaces for my children in the neighborhood. It also serves as a extra room where my visitors can rest and sleep. I spent the remaining part to invest in sugarcane farming that will mature in the next eighteen months and add to my family's cash flow. At least, I have hope for the future and life worth living.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has channeled transfers in a more secure, confidential and efficient way that is very safe and simple. The freedom to make a choice through unconditional transfers also gave people the power in decision marking which leads to human self-satisfaction. However, I have no observation of what never worked well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent the second transfer to build a house for my son who has grown up and needs his privacy. The house also serves as an extra room for visitors where they can sleep and rest. This has saved me a lot from the shame of begging for sleeping spaces for my children that could be the gossip of the village. I used the remaining part to pay for his college fees. This makes me feel happy and responsible as education means a brighter future.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($533 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
attach_money
 
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
As we speak I'm in a neat, less dusty house which is free from jiggers because I managed to plaster the house. This is the biggest difference in my daily life because it has given me a lot of peace, pride, and happiness.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
When the GD staff enrolled me in the programme I didn't believe they could send me money as they promised because I believed 110000 KES is such a huge amount of money to be given for free. So one morning when I woke up and got a message indicating that I had received money from GiveDirectly I couldn't believe it. I felt so happy and thanked God because this was a miracle.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I had a clay house which was so dusty and this forced me to buy clay every time and at times when I didn't have money I could steal the clay at night for smearing the house so that it could look neat less dusty. This was so expensive and at the same time, I was risking my life by stealing the clay. So when I received the first transfer I used a bigger portion to purchase cement and sand which I have already used to plaster the house. This has saved me a lot and from now I won't be thinking of stealing or purchasing clay any more. Part of the money I spent on new seats so that I could replace the old broken seats I had previously which were so embarassing especially whenever I had visitors.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means improved education for my children. I would like to spend the transfer on paying school fees for my son who is in college. I believe that with good education, he will be able to complete the job market.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning when I report to my place of work. This is the only hope I have as a source of income. The little payment that I get from here makes me buy food for my family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I am facing in life is unreliable source of income. I depend on casual labor that pays very little hence not able to provide for my family's basic needs like food and education.