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.
Learn more about how recipients opt in to share their stories.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly is definitely doing a great job if you ask me because through this program I have tremendous change in my day to day life. I managed to prepare my land for farming and not forgetting that the transfers helped me begin poultry farming which I am really invested in. Before I barely had a mean of survival but now through this organisation I do, which makes me immensely happy.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I got involved into this program I decided to venture into the project of poultry farming since it was manageable and fast growing, plus it was an easy way for me to make money because I was familiar with the trade. So when I recently received the funds I went ahead and bought four hens adding to the ones I previously owned which led to them being nine in total. The hens cost me KES 1,600 in total. After that I took KES 1,000 and used it to pay labourers after they worked on my farm because the rainy season had arrived. They only managed to work on half an acre because I did not have the funds to cater for all of my farm. I was left with a balance of KES 400 which I inturn used to purchase four packets of maize flour.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($26 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
When I received these funds, at first, I was in disbelief. I had already given up on the idea that I would be getting the transfers. This is after my peers had informed me that give directly is not sending out cash to the people in my community. They had the idea that only the people in Bamba would get it as the area is not too remote. I then got excited that I now had the opportunity to grow both academically and financially. In that, I will start a poultry farming business so I may save up for my college education.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before I learned about give directly, I knew that it was impossible to continue with my studies. It has already been more than 12years of failed efforts to go back to school. I also live in a mud house that easily gets damaged during the rainy season. Now that I am receiving these transfers, I am hopeful again. Other than my work as a handyman at a construction site, I am also practicing poultry farming. With time, I will be able to grow and get the funding I need for my education.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My parents were supportive of my education, unfortunately, they passed away. So, when I finished my form 4 in 2009, I never got the means to continue with my studies. It was my plan to take up a course in electricals. Since this never got to work out, I started working as a handyman at a construction site to support myself. When I was introduced to the give directly program, all I saw was an opportunity. I, therefore, came up with the idea of starting a poultry farming business. From its profits, I will be able to continue with my studies. With that in mind, I used the funds to buy 4 chickens. The amount that remained I used to buy some maize flour now that there is a scarcity of food due to the droughts in my area.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means safety to me. I am living in a house that is unsafe to live in. In the event of strong winds, the house can collapse. This is a threat to my life. To stop living in fear, I will use 30,000 KES to repair it by reinforcing it with concrete pillars. With the pillars, the house will be very strong.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I bought two goats at a total cost of 5,000 KES in the last two months. I felt very proud of myself. Acquiring the livestock set off my dream of being a renowned livestock farmer in this village.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Imagine spending your nights in a house that can fall at any given time. The house I sleep in is not safe for habitation. I risk my life just because I have no money for repair. This is all due to unemployment. I finished high school in 2009. I never proceeded to the next stage of education due to poverty. Without any qualification from higher learning, I struggle to find any formal employment. Working as a casual laborer at construction sites has been my occupation all along.
