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 ($515 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different because I was able to buy two cows which we now use to cultivate our farm using the ox-plow machine which we also purchased using the same transfers. I know that going into the future, it will be impossible for us to leave the land lying fallow for a long period like we used to do in the past due to lack of enough finances and working tools.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I think that it was a good move for the organization to come up with such a project because it changes peoples lives in different ways. On the flip side, I did not see any negative attribute that I could link to these transfers.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I used the second transfers to buy seven goats which I added to the ones I already purchased using the first transfers. These goats will be a big addition to my flock of livestock which I already own. Apart from the livestock, I also managed to pay school fees and cleared the outstanding debts that we had by then. Whatever remained went into the purchase of food for the family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($544 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
attach_money
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I was able to buy bulls. Previously, I could hire bulls so as to prepare my parcel of land, this was expensive because I had to sell charcoal or use profits from my business to support the project. I am a happy famer because I did not have to worry on using an extra cost to hire the bulls but I used my own this time round.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received my transfer, I felt very because I had never received such a lumpsum amount of money. When I was enrolled in this program, I was not sure that I would really get the money. I just knew that this was a solution to most of my needs.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my transfer on purchasing four goats and two bulls. I have started using my bulls to prepare my parcels of land . Previously, I could hire bulls from someone at a cost. This was expensive bearing in mind that I had to sell charcoal or use my profits to pay for them. I also paid school fees for my children who had arrears, they had sent home for three days but I am glad that I sent them back to school. I finally managed to boost my business. I normally get Omena from the market which is very far and sell them in our area. The sells have increased and I glad that I am able to carter for more things that I needs unlike before.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Ever since my husband lost his job as a casual driver one year ago,I have always longed for us to have our own business. However,this wish has always remained to be a dream because we did not have the necessary finances to kick it off. With this money,we plan to start a sardines business which we will be selling in large scale within the village. Currently, the scotching sun has dried up all vegetables in the farms and the only other delicacy that is affordable for people to buy are the sardines to accompany our staple food of Ugali. In order to reach more of our customers and maximize on our profits, my husband plans to purchase a bicycle that will help him in transversing different and far off villages as he hawks the sumptuous and really treasured food commodity which we are very sure will generate good profit for us.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening hours marks the happiest part of my day.For the better part of the morning , I am normally engaged in cutting logs which I then use to burn charcoal with the help of my husband. In the afternoon after lunch,I carry one sack on my head all the way to Bamba town which is about 1km from my home to sell. This tasks are normally very tiresome and it is only in the evening that I get to rest thus the reason why it is my most happiest moment.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial constraint is the biggest hardship that I face in life. My husband and I do not generate sufficient income from burning and selling charcoal thus most of our needs have come to a stand still. So grave is our financial situation that currently I am forced to share my one roomed house with three of my goats since cases of livestock theft are on the rise in the village yet I have no money to build a separate structure to be the goat pen. The stench emanating from the house has robbed my house off fresh air and comfort . I can hardly host my friends nowadays without feeling shame because after some time they start feeling uncomfortable and this embarrasses me a lot yet I have to bear with my situation.
