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 ($492 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Owning a decent iron-roofed house, starting livestock rearing a reliable source of income for my house is what makes my life different than it would have been if I never received the aid. I am currently spending my night in a comfortable house without having to worry whenever it rains. In addition, the livestock rearing is an investment that will support me whenever I face any emergency issue in my life.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in helping the needy household in the society like mine. Most importantly, I thank the organization for sending direct cash to our phones without any government influence something that has eliminated corruption and favoritism. I don't see anything that it does not do well. My wish is it may continue to support the poor with the cash program.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $190 to start livestock rearing by purchasing one cow and 2 goats this is my long-term investment for the family. My plan is to sell their offspring when they reproduce to cater to the educational needs of my children. I also completed the construction of the house by acquiring 10 iron sheets. I had started the construction but it halted due to lack of sufficient finances for purchasing the building materials. Previously, we were staying in a grass-thatched house that was about to collapse. I bought enough food and paid school fees for my grandchildren with the remaining amount.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($500 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was in my farm harvesting my crops and I was busy when I heard my phone ringing. Since I could not comprehend the contents of the message, I called for my helper who confirmed to me that I had received my first transfer. I was overjoyed and excited for this money would transform my life.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily is that I am now living in my newly constructed iron roofed house. My previous house was in a bad state. It was grass thatched and leaking during rains. My dream was to upgrade to a better house. This was only fulfilled with the coming of GiveDirectly. I managed to buy iron sheets and and building poles and built a new house. I am grateful to them because were not it for their financial help, I would still be living my grass thatched house.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my first transfer on buying building materials which include 30 pieces of iron sheets, building poles in order to construct a new house. The transfer also enabled me to pay for the labour cost involved in the construction of my new house. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for changing my life because I was previously living in a grass thatched hut. In addition to this, I also paid school fees for my five children for them to continue with their studies. I also bought some five goats which I am currently keeping in my household.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am an elderly woman who is unemployed. I always depend on my son who does casual jobs. I have desired to start a livestock business ( buying livestock and selling them immediately) but due to financial challenges, this dream has never materialized. I am planning to spend 70,000 shillings to start the business. I will purchase goats at 3000 shillings each in our interior village and sell them at our nearby market. I can make 500 profit from each goat. In approximately a week, I can sell at least 2. My son is going to run the business on my behalf because I can not perform any task. This is going to generate income for my family and I will be able to sustain all the needs such as food. Also, I will spend the remaining part of the transfer to repair the old roof of my house which leaks during the rainy season.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is my happiest part of the day. It is at this time when I sit with my sons and grandchildren under our tree and chat as we wait for food. Their laughter makes me enjoy too.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of a good source of income is my biggest challenge. My old age hinders me from performing any income-generating task. I always depend on my son who does casual jobs in a day he earns 300 shillings. His wages are not enough to sustain his family of 8 members and me.
