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 ($467 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Our new goal is to plant maize on the piece of land that we had already prepared when we got the first transfer. We were not able to plant at the time because it was a dry season. We were to plant when we got the second transfer but we decided to use the money on buying other things that were also important and we used some to pay for the treatment of one of our children who usually goes to the hospital for a check-up every month. We want to plant the maize for the consumption of our family. When there is enough food for consumption, we will be able to save the money that we make from our small income-earning activities and use it to pay school fees for our child who is in secondary school.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly taught us well in the meeting that they held with the community members. We got to understand what the program was all about. The lives of the people in the community have been uplifted and they are no longer like before. They were able to build new houses that are roofed with iron sheets, they bought livestock, and some used it to pay school fees for their children. There are, however, some people who are most needy in the community than others that I feel should have been helped more. If this is possible to be done, then I highly recommend so.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
We spent the second transfer on buying a water tank and gutters for collecting the rainwater. We bought the tank at KES 20000 and the gutters cost us approximately KES 15000. We also used KES 4000 to pay for two monthly check-ups for our child who usually goes for them and her transport cost. With the remaining amount, we used in buying food. We decided to buy the tank and the gutters so that we can collect clean rainwater for our household use. We usually go to the river to fetch water but the water from the river is not clean, one can get sick by consuming it. We were not able to buy the water tank before because we didn't have the money. We usually depend on the sale of eggs and milk from our cow and chickens to get money for buying food and other household items. I am also casually employed to baby sit a child and the money that I get paid I usually save some of it in the self-help groups through the merry-go-round contributions. The lump sum amount that I receive from the merry-go-round contributions is what we usually use in paying school fees for our child who is in his final year of secondary school. We are hence grateful to GiveDirectly because we were able to collect rainwater and hence we now have clean water for our use.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($490 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received the transfer I felt so happy. I remember it was around 9 Am. I was on my farm digging. When my neighbor came to informed me that she has received the money from GiveDirectly. I had left my phone at home, so I went back home to check if I got the same message. There was a message indicating that I have received money from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy because I have never received such amount of money before. I immediately inform my family members and they were happy. I knew I would be able to pay school fees for my children.
That's was the main priority that I had. I so grateful for the support because GiveDirectly has changed our living standards.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have paid the school fees for my son. My son used to be sent home to collect the school fees. This was affecting his performance since most of the time he was at home. It was so demoralizing and stressful to see him staying at home due to lack of school fees. I spend on casual jobs and small scale farming. The amount of money that I would get through this was so small and could not gather for all the basic needs including the school fees. When I received the transfer I felt so happy because I knew I would clear all the school fees and my son would study well. Currently he is at school and I believe that his performance will improve compare to previous days. I have peace of mind to do other activities at home. I am so happy because were it not GiveDirectly all this could not have happened. I look forward for better days ahead when my son could have clear his studies and join the University.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of the money I received from GiveDirectly on paying school fees for my son who is in secondary school. Currently he study well without being disturbed. I bought a heifer at a cost of KES 20,000. I will get enough milk when it reproduce in the next few months. This will enable me to earn cut the cost of buying milk. I bought a battery and solar panels. This is for lighting the house. I'm so happy because my children nowadays study and do their homework. I plough my farm and bought seeds ready for planting. The rest of the money I bought clothes and food .i am so happy because GiveDirectly has improved our living standards.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money will mean a lot to me and my family. We have planned to cement our house floor first because of the dust. We have a small baby and this might affect her. We also plan to use KES 30,000 of the first transfer to pay school fees for my son in secondary school, who is in his final year.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening when I have provided for my family, shared a meal with them and talked about the challenges they have had during the day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in life is financial constraints. I did not go far with my education and with changing times, it has been so competitive to get jobs. I cannot sustain my family because I have to do menial jobs that earn me less money.