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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53010 KES ($373 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My sights are set on a transformative venture that will change the course of my life for the better. Recognizing the limitations of the seasonal and unprofitable charcoal trade, I am determined to establish a business focused on buying and selling goats. With the necessary capital already at my disposal, I eagerly anticipate starting this new venture within the next month. This decision is driven by my vision for a more stable and prosperous future where I can provide for my family with greater ease and security.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly's support has allowed me to break free from the cycle of financial constraints, enabling me to pursue my passions and dreams with a renewed sense of determination. The freedom to plan for myself and my future has brought newfound hope and empowerment. The organization has not done anything wrong that needs to be addressed or changed as they shift to the neighboring village.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The cash brought a glimmer of hope into my life after the difficult divorce that left me separated from my two beloved daughters. Determined to secure their future, I immediately used a portion of the funds to pay for their education. I invested $67 in their school fees, ensuring my eldest daughter in sixth grade and my younger one in fifth grade could continue their studies uninterrupted. Knowing they were receiving an education gave me a sense of comfort, and I was determined to work hard to provide them with the best opportunities possible. Looking forward to the future, I saw an opportunity to invest in livestock. With $275, I purchased seven goats and some chickens. I understood that these animals held great potential as valuable assets and a source of income in the long run. They would not only provide sustenance but could also be bred and sold to further expand my income opportunities. With the remaining amount, I made sure to buy enough food to sustain myself while I continued my charcoal-selling business. The unconditional cash transfer gave me a fresh start and a renewed sense of purpose, guiding me towards a better future for both myself and my daughters.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($401 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was just at home when I received a message notification on my phone; I took my phone and walked to where my helper was to help me read the message because I am illiterate. When I was told it was GiveDirectly transfers, my heart leaped with excitement. The first thing that sprang to me was finishing a house that I had begun on the foundation on.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I am able to have a good house, unlike the one that I had, thanks to GiveDirectly transfers. Buying food was difficult as well since I was unable to have three meals each day, so I would sacrifice either lunch or supper to have for the next day. I was able to send money to my family, something I was unable to do because of financial constraints. At this moment, I can become a broker for the goat and chicken businesses, where I will be buying them from the village and selling them at the market. This would not have been possible without the assistance of GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a family man, but my life took a different turn when I was unable to provide for my family financially. Coming from a community where we are advised not to have dowry debt because with debt, your wife is taken back to their home to stay there until you pay the debt, the unfortunate happened to me and my wife was taken back to their home. My children were also taken to their grandmother's house to stay until their mother return home, so with the transfers, I had to build a better home in anticipation of bringing my wife and children back. I spent $49.5 on building a decent house with ample space for all of us. As a responsible father, I have also sent a reminder of the transfers to my wife and grandmother where the children are to help them in buying food. I am thrilled to have been chosen by GiveDirectly.
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
A new semi-permanent house! Yes, a new house. This has been my longest desire but due to financial constraints, it has compelled me to live in a small structure. Its walls are made of adobe and the roof is supported by some logs. Since our area has strong wind, I never sleep well due to the rattling of the iron sheets. My plan for this money is to spend a better portion of it to construct the house and purchasing of new bedding. This will cost me utmost $600. The remaining amount will help me to venture into the livestock business, where I will be buying and selling goats to Bamba market. This will guarantee me a reliable source of income to spare me from the harsh charcoal work. Hence, this is generally what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Over the last 6 months, I have been so busy with family challenges including attending to ailing people. This consumed a lot of my time and I have never seriously engaged in my income-generating activities. Although this worried me, my brother-in-law has been so supportive since he has been my source of hope. Whenever I missed food, he was there to help and I, therefore, consider this as what has given my life meaning.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Imagine at the age of 64 years now, charcoal burning remains the main source of income for my household. This work has drained my energy and I am no longer active in it because it is so intensive. Its income is very low, usually $20 per 2 weeks. This earning usually go to food and this explains why I have for a long time lived in a small house that is not worthy of me. I, therefore, consider a financial crisis to be my biggest challenge.