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 ($442 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?
I have a new goal that I did not have before which is to build a new spacious house that can fit all my family members. The initial one is too small and not in a good state at all. I am worried that it might collapse at any time which will be a big blow to my entire household.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
According to me, GiveDirectly has made a great impact in my entire region. The majority of us have now started businesses that have already uplifted our living standards. Apart from that, we are now sleeping under decent shelters from the traditional huts. In my opinion, I do not see anything that GiveDirectly has not done well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying a piece of land ( two acres) at KES 30000. Before the coming of GiveDirectly, I used to lease from friends which were expensive. During some planting seasons, I could not able to raise the cash which affected my entire family in terms of food security. I am glad that I will no longer have to strain like before in acquiring the cash instead I will be having my farm. Additionally, I gave my son KES 10000 to clear the dowry to his inlaws. Also, I paid KES 4000 for my four children who are in primary school. They finally settled in school after staying home for about three weeks. I spent the remaining amount money to buy foodstuffs for my family composed of eight members.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($476 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
At first, I thought this money was not meant to be mine because I have never received such a huge an amount of money, but the moment I read the sender's name I was extremely happy and I'm always thankful to give directly for the tremendous work they are doing.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before food and school fees were a big problems I faced, but from the day I started receiving this transfer I have never slept hungry nor have my kids been sent home due to school fees arrears. I used the money to clear all pending school fees arrears and also bought enough food which will sustain me and my family for a long period indeed give directly have changed my life and I'm forever grateful for them.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Initially before, this transfer I never owned any goat or any cow, life was not easy for me since I have children who are in school going and I have no job school fees were a big challenge to me.but I'm very grateful to give directly because the moment I received my first transfer I bought seven goats and one cow, In the near future I'll sell these domestic animal to pay for my children's school fees and also to start a business.I also spend the remaining balance to clear for the pending debts I heard borrowed previously to cater for my kid's school fees and foodstuffs.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Diversifying my sources of income has been my dream for long. This is because relying on my husband's motorcycle repair business has not been sustainable given that the number of technicians keeps on increasing day by day. I am planning to use KES 40,000 to start a petrol selling business in the neighbouring trading center. There has been an increased demand of petrol given that the number of motorcycle riders is high.
The profits I will be making from the sell of petrol added with the amount my husband earns from his garage will be able to sustain my family through buying of food, paying my children's school fees and sort out any financial emergency that might come up. I will use the balance from the GiveDirectly transfers to construct a two-bedroom house for my children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have been struggling alone with endless house chores such as cooking for my children, washing their clothes etc. However, my son got married five months ago and I now boast of someone who can help me with house chores. This brought joy in my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is the challenge I am currently facing. I have been unable to assure my family of a stable supply of food. This is because our maize farm is no longer productive and I rely on buying food from the nearby market. However, with the absence of a reliable source of income for my family, this is impossible and sometimes we go without food for a day or two.
