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 ($466 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
If I manage to get money, I am planning to start a business that would be an income generating activity for me as well as add some goats to the ones that I already have. Adding goats will be an additional investment since goats procreate at a faster rate and they have ready market if need for selling arises
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I can term GiveDirectly as a rescue organization. My village, family and I have been starving due to the drought that hit our area but at the time we were almost gone, GiveDirectly reached us and held our hands. Through the cash transfers that we received we were able to recollect ourselves and stand on our feet again. GiveDirectly is a life changing organization which is a blessing to the society.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon withdrawing the money for the second transfer, I did not want to do so many things rather than keeping the money for the family upkeep since it was a drought season and I had no source of income to fend for my family. Therefore, I only bought a bed and a mattress for KES 8000.00 so that I get a good place to sleep on; I paid KES 6000.00 school fees for my children and bought two goats for KES 7000.00. After doing that, I kept the remaining amount to take care of the family during the dry season we were passing through.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($495 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 5 am I was still in my home preparing to go to work since I am a charcoal burning which requires me to wake up early before the sun became unbearable. I was visited by my grandchild who informed me that I should check my phone since they had received their cash aid. I had to walk to my helper's house to verify on my phone If I had received my transfer. I was overwhelmed with joy after she disclosed to me that I had received my transfer that we were promised by GiveDirectly during the enrollment stage. I thank God for the aid.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am now able to meet my daily needs like food without much struggle. Previously, I was struggling to meet the needs of the family by doing casual jobs like charcoal burning in order to feed my family as well as educate my child.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 15,000 to complete the payment of the college fees for my daughter who is doing a tailoring course. In addition, she was to spent some to purchasing some materials for practical sessions. I also used KES 7500 to purchase 2 goats to start livestock rearing a future investment for my family. Additionally, I used KES 4000 to settle the debt that I borrowed sometimes back to educate my child. In addition, I purchased a mattress for KES 3800 since the one I had was very small and worn out. The remaining amount assisted me to purchase enough food for the family.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money from GiveDirectly means food security to my household.I am a widow relying on charcoal burning business which is tiresome and earns me Little money at most Kshs.1200 per month. I plan to spend Kshs.40,000 to buy two indigenous cows to produce milk for my own consumption and sell the surplus for income. I will also use Kshs.15,000 to buy indigenous goats.The remaining amount will help me to cater for other basic needs such as food and medical expenses.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning.This is when I wake up I give thanks to God for enabling me to see the day.Unlike in the afternoon and evening hours when most of time I am in the forest burning charcoal and return home tired.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have ever faced is food insecurity. This is because I am a housewife depending on charcoal burning which earns me little cash. Due to this, I have been struggling to put food on the table and sometimes I seek help from relatives, Something that embarrass me.
