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
53150 KES ($512 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have this great idea of uplifting my business by constructing a new business premise where I will be operating from, so that means I will no longer be renting a place and paying monthly rental charges like I have been doing in the past. I think that my profits will increase significantly because the money that I would have used to pay rent will help in taking care of other needs.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, I am pleased with the work that was done by Give Directly to our village because they brought a lot of changes and developments. There are a lot of people who were able to support their children by taking them to school while others bought domestic animals which I do not think they would have bought were it not for the transfers.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I am planning to use the second transfers to build a new business premise from where I will be operating my business. All this while, I have been doing business in a rented premise where I pay monthly rental charges at the end of every month. In case I will remain with some cash at hand then I will use it to buy four goats which according to me will act as some sort of savings for the future because I will sell them in the unforeseeable future just in case I run into a financial crisis.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($541 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now own a big hotel. Previously, I have been working in a friend's hotel which I was getting a low salary which was not enough for the family's basic needs. I now feel great because I have my own. I am hoping with time my life will never be the same again. Because currently, the business is doing so well. This will improve my financial status and I will be able to pay school fees for my children and also cater to their basic needs.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I remember very well it was around 3 am when I saw the notification from my mobile phone. When checked it's content it was a Mpesa message from GiveDirectly informing me that they had sent my first transfer. I was over excited for I knew my dreams are now achievable.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some building materials like fourteen pieces of iron sheets, timber, and nails to construct a hotel. I then bought enough stock for the start of a hotel business. I had been dreaming to start this kind of business but I could not afford it due to my low income. I later bought a solar panel. This will be of great help to my children because they will be able to study at night without any difficulties. Apart from that I also use it to charge my mobile phone and those of my neighbors at a fee. I then bought two goats which I am hopeful they will reproduce very soon and increase in number. With the remaining amount of money, I decided to pay school fees for my children. This has been stressing me because they have been sent home several times to collect school fees. This was affecting their performance negatively. Thanks to GiveDirectly because they will be able to study without any disturbances.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My father removed me from my husband's house demanding dowry payment. Unfortunately,he died before the payment was done and that's how I found myself not only separated with my husband but also as the breadwinner for my younger siblings.Being the first born,I started a hotel business to support the family on a rental premise and the cost of rent is an expense I have always wanted to cut down on.This is because next to it is our family land where I have had the desire to construct my own.Receiving this money from Give directly means my dream to construct my own business premise will be fulfilled. I will have enough cash at hand to support my sibling's education,food provision, clothing and save some for my child's education in future.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is usually in the evening when I return from tiresome hotel business operations to reunite with my family members. Seeing all members of the family gathered together and enjoying their meal which is as a result of my hardwork gives me a feeling of being responsible and makes me happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in life is lack of any source of income.I almost went into depression when everyone in the family was looking upon me to get food,school fees,clothing and other basic needs yet I was idle with no income activity to engage in.
