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 ($515 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
There is really a big difference in or lives after receiving the transfers from GiveDirectly. We are thankful that we are no longer suffering under leaking roofs like we used to do before, we have foodstuff in plenty and we have also settled all the debts we had in school. This project became an eye-opener to us that we managed to start several projects and now that we have greater ideas that we would wish to execute.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly work in our village and majorly in my life was well done. I made to start and complete the construction of a new house, bought enough foodstuff, start a new business after expanding the existing one and also paid school fees for my children.
On the other hand, I still feel that GiveDIrectly should have come visiting to assess how we spent the money and maybe see what to do with the hanging projects in other households. Most of the household had bigger expectations and greater plans when they first received the money but after spending it they run short of because the projects they started were so big. It would be kind for GiveDirectly to make a visit so that they may consider adding them some amount for the completion of the same.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
On receiving the second transfer, we were filled with great joy that we were going to complete the projects which we had started with the second transfers. We decided to spend 1500 KES on expanding the existing business, spent 27000 KES on starting a new business, paid school fees with 5000 KES and also completed the construction of the house by fixing doors and windows with 5000 KES. We are very grateful to GiveDIrectly for the great support they gave us.
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 life is the happiness which I got when I paid school fees for my children. I was so worried that my children would spend the rest of the term back at home. My husband who had to sort casual works would hardly get enough money to sustain us. Now he got some business which he earns good money and from this has since been able to provide for our basic needs with less struggle.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received a message notification to my phone I checked its and surprisingly it was confirmation message that I had received money from GD. I felt so happy as at that moment as I had no money. My children had been sent home for school fees but when I received it I considered my problems solved.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent a large portion of the money which GD sent to me to pay school fees for my children who are in private school. I had huge fees arrears which I had accumulated. My children had been sent home for school fees but I had no money. I thank God for GD who came at the right time and save me from stress which I had about paying school fees for my children. I also bought some iron sheets and posts for constructing a house. The one which we are currently living in is too small for my growing family. I look forward to building a more spacious house to accommodate us. My husband also took some part of it and invest in a business which is buying and selling of clubs(African artefact) and walking sticks. I am still remaining with some which I will spend on paying labour for a house which I am yet to construct soon.
Enrolled
access_time almost 6 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Two of my children are studying in a private school about a kilometre from the village. This academy has positively shaped them in their thinking, communication and discipline contrary to other children learning from a nearby public primary school. They have been role models to their peers. This has been a good foundation and my desire is that they remain in the same institution. However, this admiration doesn't come at a cheap cost. This is why upon receiving my first transfer, I am going to clear last year's fee arrears and make upfront payments of this year's fees as well. My ambition is to see my children attain a tertiary level of education, acquire skills to improve their lives and mine.
I also have a plan to build a new house with my second transfer. With an expanding family size I think our current house won't be enough to contain all of us in future.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My husband and I set out to look for casual jobs every morning. My day involves weeding people's farms or collecting firewood to sell. This at most times consume the entire day's time. It is only in the evening that I find quality time to interact and have meals with my children after their school. This is happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
For a long time, this region has been a semi arid area with parts of our land covered in bare rocks. With rare and unpredictable supply of rainfall which we can go up to as much as six months without, it has become unbearable to survive in this place. Drought is rife and has made it very difficult to undertake farming. This has been the biggest hardship I've faced in my life. With two children in private primary school and household needs and bills to pay, my husband and I have had to live with doing casual jobs to sustain the incessant daily needs in the family. This involves a three-hour trek to a white man's plantation about 10 kilometers into the Narok county, with the major activity being weeding his maize, sorghum and wheat. We bring home at most KES 8,000 a month. My worry is that this source of income will one day become unsustainable because it demands more energy with an income unable to cater for the increasing family needs, especially my children's expensive education. However, my life is soon going to be relieved of a slight burden thanks to GiveDirectly's cash transfer.
