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
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Even though I spent a portion of my first and second transfers on the construction of my current home, I was unable to finish the interior furnishing because I needed to budget for other things. In the coming year, I hope to increase my savings from casual labor and subsistence farming so that I can finish the interior walls and purchase new furniture. I am pleased with how far I have come, and I hope to have the furnishing completed by the end of the year.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly did an excellent job in our village by inspiring the majority of the residents to work hard, plan carefully, and complete their desired projects on their own. I am glad that the information we received in all of our pre-enrollment trainings was clear and helpful when we received our transfers. Even when some people were left out, no one complained because they understood how the program worked and how the selection was made. It would be wonderful to see GiveDirectly open up to other villages that are yet to enroll for the transfers.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I got the second transfer, I was working on a construction project. Initially, I intended to build a mud-walled house with iron sheets as a roof, but after receiving the second transfer, I changed my mind and decided to plaster the walls, necessitating the purchase of cement and sand. I spent $250 on construction materials for the exterior finishing and another $3 on labor charges. I am grateful that the construction is now complete and that my family of five can use it. I also had a secondary school son, and I paid $250 to settle all arrears and the current term's fees. He had been studying in peace since no one had sent him home to collect the money. Previously, I relied on the infrequent sale of firewood to nearby restaurants and food kiosks, but because most of the villagers are in the same business, finding an opportunity to supply has been difficult. At the moment, I mostly rely on casual labor, visiting people's homes and farms for a small amount of money. I am grateful for the support I received from GiveDirectly, which made a lot of things easier and resulted in a lot of change in our household.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I felt so happy the moment I received money from GiveDirectly. I was at home that day taking care of my husband who is ailing at home. It was around 4:00 pm when I saw the message and I waited until the morning when I went and withdrew the money
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference is the payment of school fees that I made with the cash and the improvement of my house. I got time to relax and concentrate on my own activities. The money that I normally get is usually hardly enough to help me pay for my family:s needs
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used KES 20000 to pay school fees for my children and used another KES 25000 to buy building materials and used the remaining amount to buy food and other basic household needs. I have 7 children with two of them who are in secondary school. Thought of improving my house since i was living in a mud house. Been relying on casual work to raise income and my husband is incapacitated after he fell sick.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a better education for my children. I have a family of four children and one of them has just cleared her primary level. Since my husband got a leg fracture,we have been struggling pay for his medical bill which accrued as a result of the operation that was done to his right leg. My daily income come from one dairy cow that gives me approximately KES.300 per day. This amount is not enough to pay for school fees when my daughter will be joining secondary level. I feel happy about this transfers from Givedirectly. Therefore my plan is to pay KES.80,000 for school fees and use the remaining amount for medical check-ups.
What is the happiest part of your day?
For the past two months, my husband has been able to recover and he can walk on his own. This has been a good improvement to him compared to when he was bed ridden in the hospital. We feel happy about this in the family and we are hopeful that he will be better than this.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Currently my major challenge is financial constraints. Having been taking care of my husband, who is unwell, my finances have really been exhausted. We have been drained as a family and this transfers is a dream come true to us. We have had some fundraising within the village but it has not been enough for us. We almost lost hope in the family but the struggle for finances to us have been a tall order.
