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 ($489 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The biggest difference is that I no longer worry about my children's school fees simply because I cleared them with the transfer that I had received, In addition, I bought five goats which I am hopeful that with proper care and feeding, the business will flourish and I will be able to earn a livelihood. I feel relaxed, and happy because I don't need to strain myself in the sand harvesting work. I am so thankful and humbled by the good gesture that we had received.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, everyone was lifted equally, we all are happy for the support that impacted our lives positively. I don't see anything that is not done professionally.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I depend on harvesting sand from the river in order for me to earn a living, it is very cumbersome Job, especially for a woman, When I received my transfer I paid school fees arrears for my secondary school Child, worth KES 10,000,Thereafter, I went ahead and purchased 5 goats worth KES 20,500, the remaining amount we used it in buying clothes and food.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($512 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Receiving such a huge sum of money came with an amazing feeling not only to me but also to the other members of our household. I was so happy that I could not hold back tears in my eyes and the only way to settle scores was to allow myself to cry it off first. I thanked God for the new chapter. To me, this was a complete twist from the suffering my family had always been undergoing to a better one where we could make some income out of our own projects.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
With the transfer we received, I have been able to witness a lot of transformation in my family both within, and its outlook. Everyone has been happy since which is the biggest difference and a great experience that had been really elusive in our household. I had been praying for such moments for a long time and all livestock coming back home from the fields every evening has been a great feeling to me. It is an incomparable pride we are currently regaining after losing a lot to the medication when my son - who recently passed on - was admitted. The transfer has given us another chance to build again from scratch and but with hope to soon be on our toes again.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After receiving our first transfer, I spent a bigger part on livestock. I obtained four Dorper sheep, and three goats which saw us part with 37000 KES, and also purchased layer chickens with the other 12000 KES. With the remaining amount, all my 7 children needed at least a pair of new outfits each, and we had to visit the nearest market where we could find some at a cheaper cost. We also added the foodstuff and installed a solar lighting system with the small remaining amount at a hire purchase. It has been a busy period in our household ensuring that we account for every coin we received. We appreciate that we made to bring in livestock which immediately cut the cost of milk which we used to buy and also the eggs collected from the already mature chickens have been sorting most of the household bills and we are looking forward to starting a savings plan as we are soon paying school fees for my children.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means that my dream of establishing a small business as a source of income for my family shall materialize soon. I intend to trade on cereals, especially maize, since we are facing an acute scarcity of such invaluable commodities in our local market. To make some profits, I will be purchasing the cereals at cheaper prices from some markets away from home. Lack of capital has been delaying such a project. Thanks GiveDirectly for coming on time.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening when I am interracting and chatting with my children. This is the moment that I get to learn about their growth and academic development. Also, we strengthen our family bond during such a time.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have ever faced in life is the loss of my fourth born child. He was diagnosed with epilepsy at a tender age. As such, we had to sell virtually all the resources we had, including land and livestock, in attempt to treat him in vain. After about 13 years of struggle, he succumbed to the ailment. I feel hopeless and drained owing to the unsuccessful attempt to care for my child.