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 ($360 USD)
access_time 12 months ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used the second cash transfer to transform my life. When I got the money, the first thing I did was pay $40 for my two primary school children's school fees. It was such a relief to know that they could continue their education without any worries.
Thereafter, I decided to invest in our future by buying four goats for $132. These goats not only provide security for us but also serve as an investment. They can reproduce and help us generate income down the road.
But one of the most significant changes I made was renovating our house. I spent $195 to construct strong pillars and plaster the outside walls. This not only made our home more secure, but it also protected it from rainwater damage during heavy rains. Our house now stands firm against strong winds, and the walls no longer get washed away by splashing rainwater. With the remaining amount, I was able to pay the contractor who did the renovation. Thanks to GiveDirectly, my family's future looks brighter, and we have a more secure and comfortable place to call home.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly, in my perspective, did a good job of registering everyone without eliminating anyone from the program. Furthermore, holding sensitization meetings before enrolment allows us to better comprehend and embrace the program.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Once I get some cash, my top priority would be to give my home a much-needed makeover by replacing the weather-beaten, rusty iron sheets on the roof with brand-new ones. The relentless rainstorms and scorching sun have taken a toll on our humble dwelling, making this renovation a dream I've harbored for years. It's not about extravagance, but about securing a safer, more comfortable shelter for my family. With a good roof overhead, I'll be able to sleep soundly, knowing that my loved ones are protected from the elements. It's a simple goal, but one that would bring immeasurable peace of mind and happiness to our lives.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($388 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After receiving the cash transfer, I decided to invest in a more sustainable future for my family. With the first portion of the money, I purchased four goats for $160. My plan was to exchange them for a dairy cow later, as I knew the cow's milk could provide a steady source of income for our family. Additionally, I used part of the funds to buy cement and a wooden door, improving the living conditions of my humble home. These renovations brought me a sense of comfort and security I hadn't felt in years. With the remaining money, I ensured my family's immediate needs were met by purchasing enough food for my four family members. As an elderly and sick couple, my husband and I had relied heavily on our children for daily upkeep, but now, with this generous support, I felt a newfound sense of independence and hope. The goats proved to be a wise investment as they multiplied over time, providing us with more resources to enhance our livelihood. The milk from the dairy cow not only fulfilled our daily dietary requirements but also generated extra income from selling the surplus. With a renovated house and improved financial stability, I was able to ease the burden on our children, allowing
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Since I started receiving the cash transfer, the biggest difference in my life has been nothing short of transformative. With the money, I decided to invest in goats, which I later exchanged for dairy cows. This decision allowed me to pay the school fees for my two stepchildren, who were struggling in grades four and five due to constant arrears leading to low performance and regular sent home days. Previously, I struggled as a jobless and sick individual, barely able to support my four family members, relying heavily on my elder children, who were already burdened with their own family responsibilities. But now, as the cows provide a steady source of income, I can finally envision a brighter future for my entire family, full of possibilities and opportunities we once thought were beyond reach.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
As the sun reached its peak at around 2 in the afternoon, I sat down to enjoy my lunch when my daughter-in-law entered the room with a beaming smile. With excitement in her voice, she informed me that I had received the much-anticipated unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly. In that moment, my heart swelled with joy and relief. The weight of financial uncertainty that had burdened me for so long was finally lifted. I knew that with this money, I would be able to fulfill a long-held dream: owning goats. These goats would not only be a source of sustenance for my family but also a symbol of the newfound hope and stability that the GiveDirectly program had brought into our lives. Gratitude overwhelmed me as I realized that this small act of generosity would ripple into a brighter future for my family and I.
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
In 2020 I had an accident and broke my left hand. It was raining by then, I slide down and fall. I was handled by a specialist and became well. Since then I can not engage in myself hard activities and during the rainy season, I also feel a lot of pain in my hand. This has affected my productivity.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I do subsistence farming for survival. It is four years now without rain in our village. That caused drought and family. On March 2023, we received rain in our village and I started doing crop farming. I have so far planted maize on four acres of my land. I own seven acres. The rain is doing well and I am hopeful that I will get a good harvest. The rain in this season brought happiness to my life.
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have a family of four members with two being children. The family lives in a two-room house which is spacious enough to accommodate all of us. However, the iron sheets are leaking during the rainy season. When it rains the family experience sleepless nights. My husband is old and he cannot work anymore. I do subsistence family and a few casual jobs during the dry season. I earn approximately $30 per month which caters for food and school fees. I lack the capacity to renovated my house. I will use $600 to renovate the roof and buy new iron sheets. I will also use $400 to buy right goats as an investment. This will help me raise school fees for my two boys once they join secondary school. They are now in class five at Dulukiza primary school.