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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3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($296 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the coming year, I eagerly plan to make a significant transition from maize to millet farming on my one-acre plot of land. This decision is driven by the optimistic outlook that millet, with its enhanced resistance to drought conditions, will bring about positive changes. My goal is not only to achieve a bountiful harvest for both commercial and domestic purposes but also to embrace a sense of hope and opportunity in my farming endeavors. Farming millet presents an opportunity for increased income, supplementing the earnings from the casual farm work that I currently engage in. This diversified approach to agriculture not only enhances my economic stability but also positions me to better provide for my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my perspective, the GD program was executed with great efficiency, especially in its flexibility, granting us the autonomy to choose how to spend the money based on our unique needs, free from restrictions. I take immense pride in utilizing the transfer to build a better and more spacious house for my family, a dream that financial constraints had previously hindered. The completion of this project has had a profound impact, providing my children with a comfortable place to sleep at home. This is a significant improvement from the inconvenience they faced before sleeping at my parents' place. I express my heartfelt gratitude to GD for making a substantial difference in my life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The third transfer has been instrumental in completing the construction of a two-roomed iron sheet house, which has been a work in progress since exhausting the second transfer on it. Allocating $10, I successfully installed windows and doors, covering the associated labor costs. The completion of the house brings immense satisfaction, providing a much-improved living environment compared to the previous thatched grass house that was prone to leaks. This also holds special significance as it allows my children to now comfortably sleep at home. Previously, they had to seek alternative accommodations at their grandparents' house due to the limited space in our home.
Dedicating $190 from the transfer, I addressed some essential household needs. I purchased sofa seats and a table, sparing me the embarrassment of hosting visitors outside on stones. Additionally, I bought a bed and a mattress for the children, ensuring their comfort as they now sleep at home and mitigating the previous risks associated with sleeping at their grandparents' house.
The timing of the transfer was providential, coinciding with a period of illness. With $30, I was able to seek medical attention at a good hospital, averting the need to borrow money for healthcare expenses. The remaining funds were wisely utilized to buy food for my family of eight. This was especially crucial, as the drought had significantly affected our maize crop, resulting in a poor harvest.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($306 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the coming year and beyond, my goal is to finish building my house, which is currently only halfway done due to financial constraints. To accomplish this objective, I plan to spend a portion of my third transfer. I have strong confidence that I can transform this dream into a tangible reality. I will always be thankful for the financial assistance that has improved our lives.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The officers responsible for the census and registration process carried out their duties with remarkable efficiency. They adeptly introduced us to the program and provided us with thorough information. We received valuable guidance on how to safeguard our funds and recognize potential fraudsters. So far I did not see things that were not done well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving my second transfer, my wife and I decided to invest in improving our living conditions by purchasing iron sheets worth $270 to construct a proper house for our family. Previously, we lived in a grass-thatched structure, but financial limitations had prevented us from building a better one, as we rely on occasional casual jobs for our livelihood. We have been blessed with six children. Additionally, I spent $15 for school fees, acquired a sack of maize worth $46, and used the remaining funds for various household items. I am immensely pleased because this support has made a significant positive impact on my life.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18010 KES ($127 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
As I herded my 10 goats in the evening, my mind was burdened with worries about how to provide flour of maize for my family's evening meals. Job opportunities had been scarce, and I struggled to find a means to fend for my loved ones. However, my worries turned into sheer joy when I received a Mpesa SMS confirming the GD transfers.
With excitement, I immediately topped up my airtime worth $0.20 from the transfer to call my spouse and share the good news. Filled with happiness, I decided to make a stop at a kiosk in our village. There, I bought 10kg of maize and some vegetables for the evening meal, relieved from the shame of borrowing food from my neighbour.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My life has been much better since receiving the GD transfer. The worries and stress of my young children skipping meals have been alleviated, as I was able to use the funds to purchase food that will sustain us for a while. This has brought a sense of relief and comfort, knowing that my family's basic needs are being met.
Moreover, the transfer came at a crucial time when I was facing the possibility of my child being sent home from school due to unpaid fees. With financial assistance from GD, I was able to finish up my child's school fees, ensuring that she could continue her education without interruptions. This has been a tremendous relief, as education is a priority for our family, and I want to provide the best opportunities for my children's future
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had a challenging time the week before the GD transfer since my family of eight was in danger of going hungry. We generally made about $2.5 each day at our neighbours' farm, which helped keep us afloat despite being seasonal, but my spouse and I were unable to find any job there. Finding work was challenging because there were few agricultural activities being carried out during the dry season. We had to borrow money and buy food on credit
The receipt of the transfers brought relief to me as immediately addressed our urgent need by buying essential food supplies worth $100, ensuring my family would not go hungry.
To secure my family's financial future, I invested $50 of the funds in buying an additional goat to add to the 10 we already had. I know that over time, this will multiply and become a valuable asset to help us fend for our family's needs.
My child's education was another concern that weighed heavily on me. I used $30 to promptly clear her school fee balance for grade four. The joy of knowing that my child can continue attending school without interruptions is indescribable
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
We plan to buy food as a matter of priority. Food has been scarce and the high cost of living has made it even harder. We'll use about $200, to buy maize, beans and other household needs. It will supplement us for the next 3 months. Meaning that we'll focus on other things such as tilling our land.
The house we live in is a mud one with a grass rooftop. A 2-roomed house, whole iron sheet house is enough for us. It's also more decent. That can cost approximately $600. Up on completion my family will have a good place to call home. This will make me happy.
To support our source of income. We need to have some livestock. Goats and sheep do well here. I will buy 2 goats and 2 sheep. A goats costs $40 while a sheep about $700. They breed faster and their numbers will expand. We can then sell them during emergencies or to support our children's education.
What is the happiest part of your day?
It's good providing for your family. When I get casual jobs it makes me happy because it means food for my family. I am also happy when working on my farm. The farm provide us with food, hence no worries during good harvests. This makes me happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Our greatest challenge as a family is food. We depend on casual jobs that pay $2.50 per day. Due to the high cost of living it's not enough for a family of 8. At times we may not get these jobs and we go hungry. The drought made it even harder, for the last 3 years productivity has been low. Thus making it hard providing for our family.
Lack of enough food has affected the health of our children. Since they don't get enough quality food.