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 ($527 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?
The greatest difference is that I no longer struggle to pay school fees for my children. Previously I would do more than two casual jobs in order to afford to take pay school fees to buy food. This was tiresome and draining at the same time. I am glad that with this money I can plan my self and meet all my needs without straining.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly 's idea of giving out unconditional cash transfers is a good idea and other NGOs should adopt the same to help the needy. I am glad they chose to come to our village. We feel favoured and honoured to have received such an amount of money. All that GD does is perfect.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent a larger portion of my transfers to construct another house. The one we are living in currently is small. At times I feel uncomfortable sleeping with my teenage children since there is no privacy. We had no option until GiveDirectly came into our lives. At least I could afford to build a bigger structure that could comfortably house all us. I also bought two bags of maize which will sustain us up to the next harvesting season. Apart from that, I gave my husband part of the transfers to restock his business that was on the verge of collapsing. I also paid school fees for an orphan who was not eligible for this program but needed help. I saved the remaining amount which I am sure it will help me someday.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($550 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
Before GiveDirectly came to my village, I used to till a small piece of land which always resulted in low production. I am happy that this has now changed as I was able to till a large acreage of land this year. Because of this, I am always happy as I know that my family will not lack food this year and this is so far the biggest difference in my life.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 6 am as I was waking up when I received a message notification. Upon reading its content, I was filled with happiness as it indicated that I had received a lump sum amount of money from GiveDirectly. I whispered a word of prayer to thank God for His blessings upon my family on that beautiful morning.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
It has always been hard for me to hire some oxen or a tractor to help me in tilling my farm due to lack of money. This has always resulted in a small size of land being utilized. When I received my first transfers, I decided to spend part of it on buying a pair of oxen so that I could fully utilize my land. I am now happy since I know that I will be able to improve my food production. My last harvest was not so good since my maize plantation was affected by a disease. Due to this, I decided to buy one sack of maize to add to what I had in store so that it would last us a little longer. I used the remaining amount in buying some school uniforms for my children. The ones they had were not in good shape as they were torn and the head of school had sent me a letter demanding that I should buy my chldren new uniforms.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have always dreamt of having a business of my own. My husband and I are unemployed and as a result we depend on casual opportunities like being hired to till or collect firewood and selling to my neighbours so that I can get a payment of kshs 100 which is very little to sustain my family's basic need. Now, receiving this transfer will mean that I'll be able to start a poultry farming as an income generating activity whereby i'll be able to sell poultry products like eggs, manure and chicken on a regular basis and thereby having returns that can be able to sustain me and my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Normally, my day starts in the morning whereby I carryout all the necessary house chores and thereby go to look for a casual job in the neighbouring villages. Once luck comes on my side and I get one, I do it and later get my dues. From the payment, I ensure that I buy foodstuff for my family and come with it. In the evening the joy and happiness portrayed on the faces of my family members especially the kids makes me feel alive.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Getting the basic neccessity especially food has been an uphill task for me. I don't have a regular job to depend on since most of the time, I rely on casual labour opportunities like collecting firewood to sell to my neighbours or be hired by someone to till his/her piece of land. The payment is very little(kshs 100) which is inadequate to cater for my family's basic need. This forces my family into absconding some meals especially lunch so that we can have supper. This has been a continuing trend and remains the biggest hardship in my life.
