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 ($373 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the coming year, my main goal is to expand my farm work, especially with a focus on a poultry project. I firmly believe that this expansion will result in additional income, providing much-needed support for our children's school fees. To achieve this dream, I intend to reinvest the profits generated from the poultry project back into the farm. This strategic approach will enable us to steadily grow and create a better financial future for our family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The assistance provided by the organization has left me profoundly grateful, as they generously provided us with much-needed financial resources. During their visit to our village, they took the time to ensure that we thoroughly understood the program and how it would benefit us. The field officers conducted the household visits with utmost professionalism, leaving us feeling satisfied and filled with happiness. Their approach has made a significant positive impact on our lives, and we are genuinely appreciative of the support we received.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a subsistence farmer, and my wife is a teacher. Together, we are blessed with three children. Upon receiving my second transfer, I saw an opportunity to make some important investments for our family's well-being. Firstly, I used $150 to purchase a dairy cow, a decision that will significantly reduce our daily expenses on milk. Financial constraints had prevented us from buying one before, as my income is not always consistent. Recognizing the importance of clean water, I spent $120 to buy a water tank for storing water for our daily needs. This would ensure we have a reliable supply of clean water. Furthermore, I ventured into a poultry project by purchasing nine hens for $54, a step towards diversifying our income sources. Lastly, I invested $40 in buying a bed for my children, enhancing their comfort and well-being. Looking back, I am both relieved and grateful for the significant achievements we have made in such a short period. These thoughtful investments have brought us hope and stability, laying the foundation for a brighter future for our family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($444 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I felt so much happy the moment I received money from GiveDirectly. I was far away from home at that time. We had gone looking for casual jobs in a far place from home and I had left my phone charging only to find the message from GiveDirectly that I had received a sum of $550 from GiveDirectly. I felt so much happy and grateful to have been a beneficiary of the program. I later shared the great news with my wife who felt very happy as well. I thought of how I was going to bring my house to completion and it left me smiling in happiness.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life is the farming practices that we were able to initiate with GiveDirectly transfers. Having to rely on proceeds from casual jobs that I do to make income has made it quite hard for me to plant in time and I am so grateful that I was able to do this in time. I am looking forward to a great harvest that will change my life and that of my family in a great way.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
We used $45 to complete the construction of our house and used another $20 to till a piece of land, $30 to buy rice, $30 was used to buy clothes for our children and the remaining amount was used to buy food for the family and to lay casuals that worked on constructing our house. We had had to stay in an incomplete house for quite sometime because the amount of money that I made from the construction work would provide us with just enough to feed the family. The house was becoming a health hazard to us as a family since it would crack on dry seasons making it a risky habitat for snakes and other harmful creatures. On rainy seasons it would be very dumpy as well.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Working as a masonry helper on construction sites is an energy-draining exercise because it leaves one exhausted. I feel like I am sick and tired of this job as I have developed persistent backaches because of carrying heavy bags of cement throughout the day. I desire to venture into poultry keeping for the reason that it is easy to manage. To start this journey, I plan to buy 20 chickens for $5 each. I also intend to spend another $100 to construct a structure where they will safely lay eggs. I am happy that my children will enjoy eating eggs that are rich in proteins and this will enhance their growth. Receiving this money will give me time to rest as I will not continue with the current work that I do.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My wife is a student at Kisii Institute and most of the time she is away from home. On Monday this week, she called me to check on how we are fairing at home. It felt nice hearing from her given the fact that we had not spoken for close to a month. I was happy that she also spoke with the children at length.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I work as a masonry helper on construction sites here in the village where I earn $4 per day. I am the sole breadwinner in the household because my wife is still a student and cannot engage in any economic activity. My two children are in school and I am required to pay $30 every term toward their school fees. I also pay $150 every term for my wife. I am in a financial crisis and I am just surviving by God's grace. I do not remember the last time I bought myself or my children a new pair of clothes because I live from hand to mouth.