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
53010 KES
access_time 11 months ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I was overjoyed when I received the second transfer from GiveDirectly. With $40 of the amount, I bought a water pump that now helps me irrigate my small vegetable farm, ensuring my plants get the water they need to thrive. I also spent some of the money on tomato seeds and insecticides, around $35, which protected my seedlings from pesky insects. With $50, I prepared the land, getting ready to plant my veggies. It was hard work, but I knew it would pay off.
I used $125 to purchase barbed wire to fence off my farm, keeping animals away from my vegetables. This investment saved my crops from damage and gave me peace of mind. With $100, I went shopping, stocking up on food to make sure my children never go hungry. It felt wonderful to have enough food at home. I also save a little cash for the future, creating a safety net for my family. Thanks to GiveDirectly, my family's future is looking brighter, and I'm hopeful for what's to come.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly is a remarkable organization in my interactions with it. It is determined to help people escape poverty without unnecessary bureaucracy. Their straightforward approach of giving direct cash transfers empowers individuals to make choices that suit their unique circumstances. I support GiveDirectly's mission to reduce poverty and promote financial autonomy.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My dream for the future is to establish a thriving dairy farming business. The prospect of owning a herd of dairy cows fills me with excitement and purpose. Their milk will be a source of income through sales. I'm starting small, and for this, I'll use the capital from the vegetables I grow. As I see my vegetable sales flourish, I know that I'm one step closer to acquiring those cows and watching my dreams take shape in the form of a prosperous dairy farm. The thought of this future keeps me motivated every day, and I can't wait to see my aspirations become a reality.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($379 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Since I began receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly, the biggest difference in my life has been the newfound hope and opportunity it has provided. With the funds, I was able to invest in a water tank to practice irrigation, a small yet transformative step towards self-sufficiency. I am now on the verge of starting a business where I'll cultivate and sell vegetables and various seedlings, creating a stable source of income. As an elderly individual without a job, life had become a daily struggle; I often went to bed hungry due to the high cost of living. Relying on my children, who lacked a consistent income, was a challenge. But now, through this project, I can see a brighter future ahead where I won't have to worry about meals or dependence, and my life is destined for a remarkable transformation.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 6 p.m. when I returned home from a community gathering, exhaustion weighing heavily on my shoulders. As I wearily glanced at my mobile phone, a message notification lit up the screen, and my heart skipped a beat. I couldn't believe my eyes; I had received my first unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly. A surge of joy washed over me, tears welled up, and an indescribable sense of relief enveloped my soul. With this lifeline, I knew I could finally put an end to the persistent pangs of hunger that had haunted me for so long. It was a moment of hope, a fresh start, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving the recent unconditional cash transfer was a true blessing for me and my family. I knew exactly how I wanted to use it to improve our living conditions. First, I decided to invest in a 2000-liter water tank for $270, along with pipes costing $15, with the sole intention of harvesting rainwater. Water scarcity has always been a challenge in our region, and this tank would allow me to practice irrigation for my small garden and take care of our domestic water needs. It was a step towards self-sustainability that would benefit us in the long run. Additionally, I used $70 of the cash transfer to buy a spacious modern wooden bed. This might seem like a simple purchase, but it meant the world to me and my grandchildren. When they visited during their school breaks, they used to sleep on the floor, enduring discomfort. Now, with a proper bed, they can rest comfortably, and their smiles are worth every penny spent. With the remaining cash, I ensured that my family of five had enough food to sustain us. As I am of advanced age and no longer working alongside my spouse, we depend on our children, who also have their own families to support. This financial assistance allowed us to breathe a little easier and improve our overall quality of life.
Enrolled
access_time 1 year ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My husband is a retired civil servant and his pension is usually $50 every month. This income can not sustain all our needs and I mostly depend on my children who are working. Although they have decent jobs, it's very unfortunate that their support is very minimal since they have their families to take care of. This has affected our livelihood and I am always in stress if I lack food at home. In addition, my husband is on medication because he is hypertensive and this has pushed me into a very stressful life. Hence, I consider financial instability as my biggest challenge.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In May this year, I was so lucky to persuade the water personnel who wanted to take away my meter due to accumulated debt of $60. Since they were able to understand my current situation of paying them later, I am now guaranteed the opportunity to continue selling water to some neighbors and earn little cash. I am currently able to buy some basic things in my household in case my children fail to send us money. Hence, this is basically what has brought me joy.
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have great ambitions in life especially investing in farming but the main obstacle is the financial constraints. This has placed me in a difficult situation but with the help of this cash, I am so optimistic about realizing my dream. Once I receive this money, I intend to spend $500 to buy a storage water tank. This will help me to store a lot of water to facilitate me in doing small-scale farming to produce green vegetables. This project will also require me to buy barbed wire to protect my garden and it will also cost me $300. Achieving this will mean a reliable source of income to avoid relying on my children. The remaining amount will help me to finish my toilet which is at pit level. This is, therefore, what receiving this money means to me.