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
55000 KES ($539 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I did not have any livestock in my homestead. Even just looking at my financial status, it would have been expensive for me even to buy any kind of livestock. Thanks to GiveDirectly because I now have three cows. My expectation is that these cows will reproduce and have many of them. I also wanted to start a tailoring shop but due to lack of resources, I wouldn't have opened. But as at now, I bought a new sewing machine and some textile materials to start with. This is a source of income which will help me even in fulfilling my family's basic needs with ease.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly has greatly helped us to achieve many things that we have longed to own . We now have decent iron roofed houses in which previously were grass thatched only, living assets in terms of livestock and taking our children to school. I do not see anything that GiveDirectly does not do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
My biggest dream was to start a tailoring shop upon completion of my tailoring course. I however lacked the necessary materials for this. Thus on receiving my first transfer, I spent KES 12000 to buy a sewing machine and also some textile materials to start with. In addition, I also spent the transfer on buying three dairy cows that I am currently keeping in my homestead. These are my assets which I know they will reproduce and increase in number. I also took the remaining to buy daily foodstuffs and other basic necessities for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($545 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 have a reliable source of income. Before the transfer, I could stay for a week without getting money. Selling charcoal was the main source of income and being that most of the people were also clogged up in the same business, I could just get a few coins that could not be enough to support my family. Getting customers could take a long time. I could borrow money from friends most of the time just to meet my family's needs but today, I am a happy woman who takes care of my family's needs with ease.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received my transfer I felt overwhelmed with joy. I had woken up for my normal prayers and after that, I went and checked my phone which had a message. When realizing that It was from GiveDirectltly, the joy that I had could not let me go back to sleep. I just stayed awake until morning when I started thinking of where to withdraw the money.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my transfer on purchasing a sewing machine and also started a business of selling bedsheets. I have merged the two businesses in one place just to make sure that I attend to all my customers. My life has really changed in that atleast I get more income unlike before the transfer where I could sell charcoal to get income. Most of the people had dwelled into the charcoal selling business such that getting customers was a problem. I am happy that the one that I started is more reliable. I finally kept the remaining amount as savings hoping to buy a motorcycle that will be my other source of income since I plan to hire someone who will be giving me a few coins at the end of the day.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means I will be able to treat my son who is currently hospitalized after being diagnosed with sickle cell. It will be a huge relief for me to see my son well and healthy again. With the remaining amount, I will invest in a business of selling second hand clothes that will help me cater for food, education and also clearing debts that we have incurred due to my son's condition.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My day's work involves making aloe vera and uprooting trunks to burn charcoal which is very tiresome. However, in the evening I get to rest and spend time with my children making it the best part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial inadequacy is a big hurdle in my life. This is because I am unable to adequately provide basic needs of my family such as food and medication. Currently, my sick son requires treatment, his medication alone costs 14,000 shillings and so far I have only managed to buy medicine worth 2,000. Due to his illness, we have had to incur so many debts and am overwhelmed by uncertainty of how they will be repaid.