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 over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Yes, I had a new goal that I did not have earlier on which was to buy goats. Goats reproduce twice a year and their offspring mature very fast, therefore I thought having them will ease the challenge of paying school fees for my children. I would be selling some and keeping a few to cater to all their schooling expenses.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
According to me, GiveDirectly has been doing a perfect job in my entire village. Before receiving the cash transfers, we were all assembled and given informative information concerning the security of the cash transfer once we received. This enlightened most of us since it was our first time receiving money via Mpesa. I however do not see any part GiveDirectly need a change.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying building materials such as building poles at KES 10000, a metal door at KES 6500, and the labor charge of KES 21000. I had planned to finish constructing my house which I had initially started but stuck at some point. The previous one that I was sheltering on was just a small house with a very old roof. Having a family of six, it could not accommodate us all also during the rainy seasons we had to seek shelter from friends until the winter period ends. In addition to that, I bought a bed and a mattress for a total of KES 13000. Therefore is a relief now because I no longer experience the pains that I have been through which were a result of sleeping on the floor. With the remaining amount of money, bought sufficient foodstuffs for my family and household like decent clothing.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($489 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 9am when I was just sitting outside my house when I heard a message tone from my phone which was in the house. I went for it to confirm what the message was all about. I was forced to protrude my eyes more because I was unable to believe what I saw. It was the first transfer of KES 55000.00 from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy like a child who has just made a single step in their walking journey.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference that is can be vividly seen is the house. From a hat-like house to a three bedroomed house is a big achievement. I couldn’t have achieved this if it were not for GiveDirectly. May I register my sincere gratitude and appreciation to the entire organization.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Before withdrawing the money, I looked at the areas that needed some attention. The first thing was a house. For quite some time I have been living in a hat-like house, something that was not giving me peace of mind. Therefore, I bought 30 pieces of iron sheets and nails for KES 30000.00 and KES 2000.00 respectively. I also bought poles and rafters for KES 14000.00. Having settled the house issue I paid KES 1300.00 school fees for my lower primary child and used the rest for food and clothing.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means good education for my 4 children who are in primary school. This I intend to achieve through practicing livestock keeping. I plan to spend KES 40,000 to purchase 15 ingenious goats because they can also survive in a drought area. This will act as a source of income for my family because when they multiply, I will sell them at a profit price and pay school fees and other basic needs such as food. In I goat I can make a profit of KES 1500. Also, I will invest the remaining amount to build a spacious house and purchase modern beddings for my family so that we can enjoy living a comfortable life.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Night is my happiest part of the day. It is at this time when I have enough time to relax and sleep . Unlike in the daytime when I am full of depression after losing four children consequently, with the same health complications.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I was married to my lovely husband in the year 2012 and gave birth immediately to a lovely baby but after 3 months, the baby developed some health complications, and unfortunately, he died. This broke my heart completely but my husband encouraged me that we will have other kids. I had hope and indeed God blessed us with 3 more children and I was extremely happy, not knowing that they would also die like the firstborn with the same complications which also cost us a lot of money in medications. Since this happened I have never recovered from the depression I went through. Though I gave birth again the memories are fresh every day. Therefore losing my 4 children is the biggest hardship I have faced in life
