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 ($531 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent my transfers on purchasing building materials. I have always wanted to build a new house because my current house is in bad condition. The roof leaks during the rainy season and the walls have cracked. The whole building might just collapse at any time. I am now hopeful of living in a new house after receiving transfers and purchasing the building materials. I also spent part of the money as a tithe. I am a strong Christian who believes in acknowledging God with everything He blesses us with. I also bought a heifer and a sheep. To me, this is an investment. I believe they will grow and reproduce. I will be selling the offsprings when a financial crisis occurs. I also started a small poultry farm. I believe this will be my biggest source of income even after Give Directly have finished their work in our village. Despite the many expenses I managed to save some amount. I always believe in saving no matter how small the amount one receives.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, Give Directly is God sent. I have never received or heard of an organization that gives out donations in my entire life. I believe that Give Directly did a good thing about choosing to work in our village. People in this area were languishing in poverty, but now things have changed greatly. To me all what Give Directly does is perfect.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The biggest difference is that I now have good clothes. Give Directly saved me from the shame of wearing torn clothes that could not be replaced any time soon. I am also glad that I can now sleep so well since I bought a new mattress. I use to sleep on a hide and covered myself with old torn clothes.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($541 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
attach_money
What did you spend your first transfer on?
Ever since I have been buying milk and maize flour on a daily basis throughout the year and this is costly. Whenever I do not have money, my family would have to stay without taking some meals. This has always left my children unhappy most of the days. When I received my first transfers, I decided to spend part of it to buy a cow. I also spent the remaining amount to till my farm so that I will not have to buy maize anymore.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
When I woke up, I discovered that most of the people in the village were happy. When I inquired, I was informed that they had received money from GiveDirectly. I then called my son to check my M-Pesa balance for me and he confirmed to me that indeed, I had also received the money. At that instant, I was filled with happiness. I immediately prepared myself and went to town so that I could withdraw the money and actualize my plans.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
For so long, I have been having a dream of being able to cultivate my own land. Since my dream has come to pass, I am now a happy woman as I know that very soon I will stop buying maize as I have planted them. I also intend to continue with this practice of farming as it has already started changing my life until some of my village members are wondering if I am still the same person they knew.
Enrolled
access_time almost 6 years ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
A few years ago,my husband fell in and died shortly afterwards.While I was yet to recover from the loss,my daughter in law fell ill too and died a year later leaving her five children under my care.It was a very difficult period which was shortly followed by the loss of my daughter too.The burden of caring for their children is still mine to date despite my old age.But God has been gracious to me and I have been able to bear it.This is the biggest hardship I have faced
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening.This is the time when my grandchildren are home and I do not feel lonely.It is also the time when I kneel down to thank God for the day before I go to sleep.This makes me very happy
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means alot to me.It will greatly help me to build a new house since the hut I live in is small and old.I will also be able to buy a cow with the money.