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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17th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($27 USD)
access_time 2 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have been buying goats and having my parents help with their care. I now have 10 goats. I am trying to have as many as 25 goats so that I am able to achieve my goal after school. I want to move into my own house which will allow me think about starting a family. I am buying the goats so that I can have a number to sell when I begin construction. Goats reproduce and that means the number will be bigger than what I currently have.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a student studying how to be a mechanic in college. I use my cash transfers to help my father who is a casual worker pay for my school. I spent $13 on my school fees. I was also able to get a shirt to wear in school at $4.I was also interested in getting some goats and I was able to get 3 goats at $85. Givedirectly transfers have made my life and my families life easier.
14th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($26 USD)
access_time 6 months ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Over the past three months, I've invested $76 in purchasing three goats. My ultimate aim is to let them reproduce and eventually exchange them for cows. I believe that owning cattle will fetch higher prices, providing me with the financial security I need to navigate any future challenges, such as supporting my five siblings' education. Our parents, who are our main providers, often struggle to make ends meet. They rely on charcoal-making, which is physically demanding, time-consuming, and unreliable for covering all our needs, including food and school fees. To ensure uninterrupted education for my siblings and myself, I sometimes pitch in by paying school fees. This is why I spent $19 to settle some debts. Seeing our progress well in our education fills me with happiness. Additionally, I allocated $7 to purchase new attire, replacing my worn-out clothes from repeated use.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My ultimate goal is to own rental houses in one of our trade centers. I believe this will provide a steady and guaranteed monthly income, relieving any worries about meeting basic needs or supporting my siblings' education. To kickstart this plan, I intend to start with cattle rearing. I have already leveraged the cash transfers to buy three goats already. I aim to let them multiply and expand the herd, ultimately selling them to raise a substantial sum of at least $1000 to purchase the land for my dream rental property venture. The cash transfers have already paved the way for this dream, and I am determined to see it through.
10th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($23 USD)
access_time 9 months ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Using the recent unconditional cash transfer, I made a life-altering decision that I'd long dreamed of but couldn't achieve due to financial constraints. Investing in a goat, despite its seemingly modest value of $25, meant the world to me. It signified hope and potential. The desire to rear goats had lingered within me for ages, but the grasp of poverty held my aspirations captive. Now, with the purchase made possible by the transfer, a newfound sense of optimism has emerged. I firmly believe that this humble beginning in animal husbandry will pave the way for a brighter future. Goats offer more than just a source of income; they represent an opportunity for sustainable growth and a pathway out of the cycle of poverty that has plagued my household. With the remaining $9.7, I made another significant investment in myself. I bought clothes, replacing the worn-out and ragged ones I had been wearing. These new clothes might seem like a simple purchase to some, but for me, they signify a fresh start and a boost to my self-esteem. More importantly, I'm now studying a two-year mechanical course, and this small step towards self-improvement fills me with excitement and hope for the future. I'm optimistic that gaining these skills will open doors to job opportunities, allowing me to support myself and potentially start a family once I'm on a more stable footing. The newfound sense of purpose and the prospect of a better future ahead of me feel both exhilarating and motivating.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the upcoming year and beyond, I find myself fueled by a dream that I'm eager to turn into reality. Currently immersed in a mechanical course, I've set my sights on pursuing a driving career. I believe this additional skill will not only complement my mechanical knowledge but also open up a new realm of opportunities. The road to my aspirations might be winding, but I'm determined to navigate it. The fusion of mechanical expertise with a proficiency in driving presents a unique advantage, and I can envision myself contributing to industries and sectors in ways I hadn't imagined before. The coming year marks the beginning of this exciting journey, and I'm ready to shift gears towards a future where my skills drive me to success.
5th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($25 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have a clear vision of building my own house, as the current one I reside in is made of grass. To initiate this project, I allocated $20 to purchase metal sheets, which will provide the sturdy foundation I desire. With these monthly transfers that I normally receive, I have successfully acquired six metal sheets, bringing me one step closer to realizing my dream. Additionally, I wisely utilized the remaining $14 to purchase clothes, ensuring both practicality and comfort for myself and my family. This deliberate allocation of funds allows me to progress towards constructing a safe and durable home, while also tending to our immediate needs.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have a strong desire to enroll myself in a driving school to acquire the necessary skills for independent mobility. This will enable me to pursue my dream of owning my own shop. By learning to drive, I can efficiently navigate and transport goods, ensuring a steady supply for my business. Saving enough funds is a priority, as it will provide the necessary capital to establish and sustain the shop successfully. Through dedication, financial planning, and the acquisition of driving skills, I am determined to transform my aspirations into a thriving entrepreneurial venture.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($26 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am fresh from school, and since December last year, I have just been at home. After sitting for my class eight examinations last year, I have thought of an artisan course that I can undertake to help me gain some skills since my grade was low to secure me a chance in a High School. I hope to join a tertiary college and do an artisan course in fabrication and welding. With my recent transfer, I spent $30 on buying a goat. As I save for my training, I will also be raising goats with my most recent transfer. I also spent $4 on buying a new set of clothes. I only thought of adding more because I did not have sufficient ones.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GD does well in giving us financial support. This helps in bailing us from the financial we have been having.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
As I continue to get my transfer, I hope to accomplish the goal of keeping livestock. So far, I have begun buying goats, and I am hopeful that as my herd grows, chances of raising money for my training will not be as difficult as they used to be. I will be able to get more money from them to help with my tuition expenses. Since I am the firstborn in our family, with the pieces of training, I shall find it easy to use my skills to earn a living and therefore be supportive of our family. Thanks to GiveDirectly for its financial support.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1480 KES ($12 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
We sat together with my parents and brainstormed ideas for what to do with the money. I came up with the idea that I would purchase four chickens, each costing $4 at a discounted price of $12. I was delighted because I would be able to sell the chick after it hatched and get some goats for myself. The remaining amount of $2 I cheerfully gave my mother and she proceeded to buy flour so that we could cook and eat that day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before I could barely afford even to buy food but now I have gone an extra mile and bought chicken. I was even able to sell one of my chick and added some money and bought one goat that gave me joy and hope that my future is bright.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I completed class eight in 2022 and ever since I have been at home doing nothing. Life has been difficult and the moment I received my first transfers, I was so happy that I can hardly articulate how I felt on the inside. I clearly recall receiving my transfer from GiveDirectly, it was around one to two o’clock and it completely altered the course of my day. Since I could not control my happiness, I immediately called my beloved mother and Informed her about the good news and she was so happy about it. We have never stopped praising GiveDirectly for its generosity.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What is the happiest part of your day?
Despite the many challenges that I have experienced in school due to lack of fees, I was able to score 213 marks that have secured me a slot to join a secondary school. Although the score is low, I am confident that, I will do better. Thus, I consider this chance of joining secondary school as what has brought joy to my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial crisis is the biggest worry that I am currently experiencing in my life. Imagine, immediately when I completed my KCPE exams, I had to work as a herdman where I can get some cash from the sale of milk. This happened because I was not sure whether I will join secondary school until GiveDirectly came to us.
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Being the first one to join a secondary school out of my 15 siblings, I take this as a challenge to set a good example for them. Stress was about where to get the school fees but the arrival of GiveDirectly in our village was a rescue for me. As a recipient, I am so confident that my transfers will cater to all my school expenses and this will provide me with a conducive environment to learn. This will fruition in a better future and thus, to support my aging parents. Therefore, this is generally what receiving this money means to me.