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 ($485 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different than how it would have been if I never received the transfers in that I have build a better house. I live in a small grass thatched house which is leaking from inside. The house is so old and it is almost falling apart. We are being exposed to cold during the rainy season. I spent some money I received from GiveDirectly to complete the construction of the new house. It's almost done and we are yet to move in. I depend on small scale farming and casual jobs in the village to earn an income. The amount of money that I get through this is so small and cannot meet all the basic needs of the family. I had no extra money to build a better house. I am so happy now because I know I will move in to a better house and live well with my child. We will no longer be exposed to cold. I am so grateful for the support because GiveDirectly has changed our living standard. I hope to invest in livestock with the remaining amount. This will be my investment and I will devote my time and ensure that I make it great.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion GiveDirectly does well by giving money to the poor in the community to build better houses and to buy dairy cows. I do not find anything that GiveDirectly did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of the money I received from GiveDirectly to buy building materials to complete the house that I started with the precious transfer. The house is almost done. I will live in a decent house with my child. I also bought bedding and clothes for my child. I still have 300 dollars planning to buy goats. I had always wished to start livestock project, but I didn't had money. Goats rearing project is the best investment because a goat can give birth twice per year and it really helps whenever there is an emergency. I will also sell them to buy a dairy cow.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($508 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was on Thursday exactly 9am, I was sitting outside my house preparing vegetation for my family. I received a notification on my phone upon check I found out it was the transfer GiveDirectly promised. I was so glad for receiving my transfer.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Fulfilment of my desire of starting livestock rearing is the biggest difference in my life. Previously, I use to depending on charcoal burning which is very laborious, time consuming and low paying. I am assured that I will be able to meet the educational needs of my children without struggling when my livestock multiply.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had a desire to own livestock like other in the village. This is to be my future investment for the family so that it may support us in case of any financial emergency. After receiving my transfer, I spent $300 to purchase 10 goats. Also, I bought 10iron sheets for the construction of a new house since the one we had was about to collapse. I used the remaining amount to pay for school fees for my children and to purchase food for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Bearing the kind of life that I lead currently, education for my children is my priority. My dream is to see them grow into productive citizens and this is achievable through giving them quality education. Once they are educated they can secure jobs and be able to care of themselves and support us too. It will also shun them from inappropriate ways of earning a living. Receiving this money therefore means, I will start a goat rearing project to finance my dream. Besides I will renovate my house to prevent it from collapsing.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the afternoon when I am chatting with my sisters in law. This occurs after a very busy morning full of household errands and income generating activities.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The lack of a reliable source of income is my biggest hardship. This has led to us lacking basic needs because I do not have money to meet them. My husband is a PSV driver while I burn charcoal. Both jobs have insufficient earnings causing my family to suffer.
