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 ($517 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?
The biggest difference is that I am now hopeful of living in my own home. Through the transfers I got from Give Directly I have already bought the necessary building materials. Initially, I only used to depend on casual jobs. The money I got from these jobs was enough to buy basic needs. I used to save nothing towards this goal therefore there were slim chances of establishing my home.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, the fact that the grant issued by Give Directly is unconditional makes it so unique. One can use the money how best they feel without restrictions and again as I have said it is a grant hence you owe no one.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
Upon receiving my second transfer, I decided to upgrade my house. I had been living in a grass-thatched house for quite a long time and I felt it was the opportune time to transition. So I spent Kes 25,000 to upgrade to an iron-roofed house. With the remaining amount, I bought livestock and paid school fees for my children.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($542 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
Building a new decent house to me is the biggest difference in my daily life. The house that had been my shelter for long collapsed and I could not afford to build a new one immediately for my family. This forced me to seek shelter from my neighbour's hut. Being a single mother, I only depend on charcoal burning as my income-generating activity. It's tiresome and still, the cash is very little to even fulfil the family basic needs is challenging to me. I don't think I would have managed to build a new house were it not for the financial support from GiveDirectly. I am now in the process of building the house.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was hearing my neighbours shouting joyfully early in the morning and when I enquired from them the source of all this happiness, I was surprised to learn that money from GiveDirectly had been sent. I called for my helper to check for me since I could not comprehend any of the messages. I was overwhelmed with joy when he confirmed to me that indeed I had also received my token.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent KES 12000 to purchase four goats which I am currently rearing in my homestead. I am keeping them so that as they will be reproducing and increasing in number, I can sell them to meet my financial needs. I was previously living in a small hut that couldn't accommodate my family after my house collapsed. Thus, because of this, I spent KES 22400 to buy building materials to build a new one. I also paid KES 4000 for the labour. I am planning to start a shop with the remaining amount. I do not have a stable source of income and I believe this will be a good capital. I was mainly burning and selling charcoal which is tiresome and painful but since I don't have any other source, I have to do it to fend for my family. I feel starting this shop will relieve me of the pains that I undergo.
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
A decent house is what receiving this money means to me. Imagine seeking shelter from my relative during this rain season!!, it has been a very thorny moment to me. My greatest desire has been to own an admirable house that can restore my lost honor from the neighbours. Considering this ambition, I have opted to construct a spacious iron roofed house in order to replace the old one. Part of the transfers will help me to buy goats that will act as a long term investment, in order to sustain my children's education when I sell them after they multiple. This will change my life for the better, a transformation that I have long wished.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is the happiest part of my day because it is at this time when I have gotten something for our dinner. Seeing my children enjoying their meals gives me joy and peace of mind.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Charcoal burning is what I have known as the only reliable source of income to support my family of 6 members. Considering the nature of this job being tiresome and risky, it's income is not consistent since preparing and looking for potential buyers is still a big challenge. This has forced my family to skip some meals or seek an alternative of borrowing from my relatives. This situation has robbed away my joy and I have always felt that, lack of a reliable source of income being the biggest hardship in my life.
