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 ($519 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I am happy and optimistic to own a permanent house very soon. I purchased building materials and paid workers who are facilitating the construction my new house at the moment with GiveDirectly's transfer.After the house would have been completed and we have transitioned to it then my family will have a better and spacious house to live in happily and we shall be able to welcome visitors without any fear unlike before when we could shy away most of the time to host visitors in our small mud house because it had no space. Therefore, had it not been for GiveDirectly I wouldn't have achieve my dream this fast.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion GiveDirectly did well through uplifting our living standards with money that was given to the most vulnerable and poor recipients like me. This is because the money has brought a lot of changes on our living standards through acquiring the pressing needs we lack such as good shelter. I do not see what GiveDirectly did wrong at its work.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I added my saving onto the second transfer I have received and made building blocks ( bricks) then started the construction of my permanent house. Construction is still in progress and until its completion, I am hopeful that I will have a more sustainable shelter unlike the old weak mud house I am staying in at the moment which makes my family and I worry of our safety while we are in it since its in the verger collapse.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($541 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
As a tailor, I have always wished I had my own sewing machine, but I could not afford to buy one since the machines are very costly. Ever since I graduated from college I have been working from my friend's workshops and I used to be paid on commission. My salary was very little that it couldn't meet the needs of my family. I was always borrowing loans so that I can clear fee balances for my children, life was so miserable. Having the two sewing machines that I acquired from the financial support from GiveDirectly has changed everything. The money I get from this business is much better than what I used to work form someone. I at times hire one to my friends and get an income as well. I no longer borrow loans since the money I am getting is enough to cater to my family's daily needs and even my children's school fees
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 6: 05 when I was still in my bed. It was raining heavily when I heard continuous vibrations from my phone. I was nervous at first because I didn't expect someone to contact me that early. When I checked what the message was all about, I realized it was an mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I was very happy and started planning on how I will spend the money.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying two sewing machines at KES 25000. Previously I was employed by friends and I used to be paid on commission. I later bought a few building materials such as bricks, cement, and sand purposely for the renovation of my house. I then saved KES15000, so that I can pay school fees for my children when they open next year. They have already closed for their holidays and it was only wise for me to save some amount for next year. The remaining amount of money, I bought some enough foodstuffs for my family.
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Dressmaking shop has been my longest desired business that I have always hoped to own once I get adequate capital. Before I was married, I never knew how I can get trained to become a dressmaker but fortunately, after marriage, I got the chance and trained by the local tailors. Despite having the basic skills, I have never been able to acquire the sewing machines due to financial constraints and this has forced me to purely depend on my husband. My plan is to use $240 on purchasing 2 sewing machines and also to use $100 on renting the workroom once I receive the transfers. This will ensure maximum support to my husband since I will be engaged in income-generating activity. The remaining amount will aid in paying school fees for my child and also repairing my house. This will change the status of our living and hence a better-transformed life that I have long wished.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Morning is the happiest part of my day because waking up to a new day, feeling refreshed and healthy always energizes me to perform my day's work. Afternoon is the busiest part since I always work at my farm up to noon and evening meets me when I am completely exhausted.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
In spite of having the basic skills in dressmaking, I have never been able to start practicing this due to a lack of the sewing machine. This situation has forced me to depend on my husband as the only breadwinner for the family. Considering his job as a caretaker, he earns only $100 per month and this income is rarely enough to cater for the family expenses, leaving him with nothing to save. In most cases, we usually strain in sustaining some of our basic needs like food and school fees. Therefore, financial instability is the biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life.
