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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3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($316 USD)
access_time 6 months ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After receiving $450 from GiveDirectly, I made several thoughtful investments to improve my family's life. First, I allocated $210 to fence my land, ensuring ample pasture for my livestock and securing their safety. This step not only protects our animals but also sets the foundation for their healthy growth.
With $150, I purchased a cow, envisioning its offspring multiplying over time. This investment holds promise for our future sustainability, providing a steady source of income and resources.
Recognizing the immediate need for food, I allocated $50 to purchase essential provisions. This ensured that our household was well-nourished during a time of scarcity.
Moreover, I utilized $20 as a deposit to acquire Delight, a source of light that now illuminates our home at night. This simple yet impactful addition enhances the safety and comfort of my family, allowing us to navigate our evenings with ease and joy.
Through strategic allocation of GiveDirectly's assistance, I've not only addressed pressing needs but also laid the groundwork for a brighter and more secure future for myself and my loved ones.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly did an amazing job, and I have nothing but gratitude for their support. They helped me and our community immensely, and I have no suggestions for improvement. I'm truly thankful for everything they've done.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My main goal for this year, as well as the years to come, is to begin a poultry farm. I strongly believe that this venture will bring significant benefits to both me and my family, particularly in terms of providing a stable income.
To achieve this goal, I am fully committed to working diligently at my daily casual jobs. I understand the importance of saving and investing my earnings wisely to kickstart my poultry farm as soon as possible.
Starting this business is not just a dream for me; it's a practical step towards securing a better future for my family. With determination and hard work, I am confident that I can turn this goal into a successful reality.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($295 USD)
access_time 10 months ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Before GiveDirectly, I relied on sporadic casual labor, which was hard to come by as many people were out seeking daily income. While I could manage my daily food while living alone, pursuing other projects to enhance my growth seemed impossible, as my survival was hand-to-mouth. GiveDirectly has brought about a positive change in the past few months, and I am pleased to have added five more goats, valued at $250, to the two I already had. My plan is to breed them and gradually increase the herd to contribute to future household bill payments and my children's school fees through the sale of the offspring. I also allocated $50 to purchase food for my current family of two after getting married, making my living situation less lonely. Welcoming my wife home, I covered her $5 transport cost and invested $25 in a new mattress, bringing comfort to our nights compared to the past when I slept on old rags and hides spread on the floor. Additionally, I settled a $100 debt at the nearby shop where I used to obtain food on credit. On a more personal note, I spent $25 on a memorial ceremony for my parents, who passed away years ago, contributing alongside my sibling and other family members. It's heartening to see positive changes and be able to contribute to meaningful events in my life.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Since the start of the program, from the initial meetings to the enrollment process and the distribution of transfers, GiveDirectly has consistently demonstrated excellence, earning appreciation from everyone in my community. The generosity extended to us is unprecedented in my experience, and I am grateful to be a part of this transformative initiative. GiveDirectly's approach has not only provided financial support but has also granted us the responsibility of handling a significant sum, encouraging us to plan and be accountable for every aspect of its usage. This experience has made us more attentive and responsible in managing the funds. I sincerely hope that other communities, like ours, have the opportunity to receive similar support from GiveDirectly, experiencing the positive and empowering impact that has become evident in my own life.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the coming year and beyond, my primary goal is to enclose my land with a chain-link fence, laying the groundwork for the establishment of a poultry farm. Currently, I sustain my income by purchasing chickens from local neighborhoods and selling them in nearby markets for a profit. To elevate this venture, I plan to utilize the savings I have set aside. These funds will play a pivotal role in expanding my business, enabling the purchase of fencing materials for securing the land and, subsequently, acquiring chickens to start the poultry project. The chain-link fence is not only a means of securing the property but also a crucial step towards creating a controlled and conducive environment for the successful development of the poultry farm.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18010 KES ($122 USD)
access_time 12 months ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I rely on selling hens to make a living, and I am not married yet. When I was assured that I would receive money from GiveDirectly, it rekindled my dream of starting a goat-rearing project. I had attempted it before, but unfortunately, all the goats I had perished due to illness. The income I generated from my chicken business was insufficient to purchase goats, so I primarily used the profits for food and other basic necessities. With the prospect of goats, I knew I could establish a reliable income source for emergencies. Consequently, I invested $150 to acquire three goats and allocated the remaining $28 for food supplies. I am delighted that my long-held dream has finally become a reality in such a short time.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The transfer I received has brought a remarkable transformation in my life, filling me with immense happiness. One particularly significant change is that I was able to initiate a goat-rearing project, a dream that once seemed unattainable due to limited funds. This accomplishment has rekindled my hope for the future, as I aspire to expand the project further with additional funds from GiveDirectly. Moreover, the transfer enabled me to stock up on a sufficient supply of food, ensuring that I would not face hunger. This newfound sense of security and the overwhelming gratitude it brings me fills my heart with great joy.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I distinctly remember being at home, deeply engrossed in fencing my plot of land when I was suddenly startled by the sound of a message alert. As I checked my phone, I immediately realized that I had received the money that GiveDirectly had promised me. It became the happiest day of my life because I knew I had the opportunity to improve my life significantly. With well-laid plans already in place, it was incredibly easy to put the money to good use.
Enrolled
access_time 1 year ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My challenge currently is the lack of money. I depend on casual work which I usually do within the village after my chicken business failed. This has made life very difficult for me since I sometimes fail to get work and therefore lack money to purchase food. This makes life very difficult since without money I have to sleep on an empty stomach.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiness is drawn from the peace and tranquility that exists between me and my neighbours. I always assis Sote my neighbour who suffers from Asthma which brings me a lot of joy. I'm delighted that through my help she gets well and appreciates my efforts.
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
The transfers means so much to me because it will help me meet my most pressing needs. Firstly, I intend to use the money to buy food. I intend to purchase 30 kilograms of maize and 5 kilograms of beans at $30. For the remaining amount of the first transfer I intend to purchase 3 goats at $30 each. The second transfers will assist me in purchasing 2 cows. This is a great investment for me because I will be able to get milk to sell to my neighbours. For the third transfers I intend to fence my compound and farm. This will ensure that my animals are safe at night from wild animals. I believe that with the plans I've put in place my life will be transformed positively.