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 ($518 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Had it been the support from GiveDirectly, I would not have managed to replace the old bedding. I was previously sleeping on old and worn out mats. I managed to buy a new mattress and a new bed. I also have goats that I can readily rely on in case of a financial need.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has done well in ensuring that our lives have been changed completely. We were unable to build houses, no livestock and meeting basic needs was a challenge. We have been able to build houses and we also own livestock which are assets us.I don't see anything that GiveDirectly does not do well.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying a new bed and a mattress KES 15000, to replace the old bedding that I have been using for a long time. They had become old and worn out. In addition to this, I also bought six goats that I am keeping in my homestead. These are assets to me that I can readily sell and raise more money in case of a financial problem. I spent the remaining amount to buy foodstuffs and paying for other household expenses.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($535 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my life is that I managed to clear the fees arrears for my children. They have been sent home several times and I used to get embarrassed but I couldn't do anything because I don't have a stable job and my income is very low to sustain all my family expenses. This was really frustrating because I felt like I was failing them They had started performing poorly as a result of this and I felt guilty. I am now hopeful and happier because ever since I received my first transfer all is well now because they are now studying without any distractions.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 10 pm when I received a notification message from GiveDirectly. I felt happy when I realized they had sent me the first transfers. Immediately I read the message, I knelt down and thanked God for sending GiveDirectly to our village. I knew that finally poverty would be alleviated from my village.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of the first transfer on buying building materials, I used 17000 to buy twenty pieces of iron sheets. This was for the construction of my new house. I used to have a very small house that was in poor condition and it could not accommodate us all. I also managed to pay school fees for my children. I am glad I managed to pay the school on time since this is what normally frustrates me the most. I spent the remaining amount of money, to buy a bicycle which is helping me with fetching water since our water point is very far. I am now relieved because the bicycle will be of great help because I will not have to walk the long distances
Enrolled
access_time almost 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means reuniting a family that has been living separately for a couple of years in search of income. I will now be able to move my family back here and take care of them. I plan to join driving school which has been my dream for the longest time. With the skills acquired, I will be able to earn income that can meet our basic needs. I will also start a grocery shop for my wife to supplement our earnings.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is the happiest part of my day because that is when I get to call and talk to my wife and children who live in a far off village.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My wife and I were forced to live separately as we both looked for work in order to earn a living and meet our family's needs such as food and education. She is currently employed as a cook in a school and am here working on the farm so I can ensure my family has sufficient food to eat while I sell the surplus to generate some income. However, the inconsistent rainfall has resulted in poor yield over the years and my wife's salary of 3000 shillings a month can hardly keep us afloat.
