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
55000 KES ($376 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving my second transfer, I promptly withdrew half of it to address some pressing concerns at home that had been causing me significant stress.
I allocated $205 towards my sons' secondary school fees, not only clearing the arrears for this year but also prepaying for the next, ensuring I have ample time to establish a consistent income source to support my family.
Additionally, I settled a $40 debt owed to a carpenter who had assisted in the construction of my house – a project funded by my first transfer – which I hadn't been able to pay him for at the time.
As the beginning of my investment journey, I purchased two goats for $60. I also sent $80 to my daughter who was coordinating the acquisition of furniture for our home. Lastly, I set aside $50 on my phone as a reserve for upcoming monthly hospital expenses.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The distinct approach of the Give Directly program has empowered many of us to tackle our financial challenges in a private and optimal manner. The method of direct cash transfers stands out as one of the most effective ways to alleviate poverty and foster financial responsibility among recipients.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Before the year comes to a close, my primary ambition is to return to my food business and enhance its performance. Due to health challenges and the subsequent financial strain, with most of my resources being channeled towards medical expenses, I haven't been able to focus on the business. But I am keen on reviving it.
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?
As a GiveDirectly recipient, I felt immense relief when I used the unconditional cash transfers to pay the $250 school fees for my two secondary school children. Knowing that they could now focus on their studies without interruptions brought me great joy. Education is the key to a better future, and I wanted to give my children every opportunity to succeed.
In addition to investing in my children's education, I decided to use part of the cash transfers to buy a stock of vegetables for my grocery. This decision allowed me to cater to my customers' preferences and offer a wider variety of fresh produce. The increased income from my thriving grocery store has been a blessing for sustaining my family, ensuring that we have enough to meet our daily needs.
With the remaining amount, I chose to invest in a long-term dream of mine. I started building a house on the plot of land I had bought some time ago. It is a symbol of stability and a place to call home. Witnessing the construction progress fills me with a sense of hope and contentment. I am grateful for the opportunity GiveDirectly provided me and I am determined to make the most of it.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Receiving the cash transfer from GiveDirectly completely transformed my life and the future of my family. Before, our income from the small grocery we owned barely covered our basic needs, leaving nothing for school fees. But now, with the financial support, I can proudly say that my children are attending school regularly. It's a tremendous relief knowing that they have the opportunity to receive an education and build a better future. I am forever grateful to GiveDirectly for their assistance, as they have not only alleviated our financial burdens but also given us hope and a chance to break free from the cycle of poverty.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
While attending to my customers at my grocery store, a message popped into my phone. Since I do not know how to read, I kept the phone till evening when I returned home for my son to read and interpret the message for me. My heart raced with anticipation as my son read the message aloud, telling me about the unexpected blessing that had arrived in the form of a transfer from GiveDirectly. Overwhelmed with gratitude, tears welled up in my eyes, blurring the boundaries between joy and disbelief. It felt like a dream come true, a lifeline amidst the struggles that had consumed our lives for so long. With this unexpected support, a glimmer of hope was ignited within me, promising a brighter future for my family. As I hugged my son tightly, I whispered a heartfelt prayer of gratitude, knowing that this act of kindness would forever change our lives.
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
As a widow, life has never been easy for me and my family of 4. I have lived a life full of misery due to life challenges. As a mother and the sole breadwinner, I have experienced tough moments in supporting us with household needs. The greatly disadvantaged ones are the children who suffer the most in school because I can not afford to clear their fees on time. In most cases, they are sent home due to huge fee balances. Imagine sending your son to school with only $5 as a fee! This was the most difficult moment in my life and I always recall that day. I am so optimistic that one day, our life will change for the better. My small business of selling foodstuffs has not thrived well and in a day, I earn $2 as a profit. This goes to food leaving me with nothing to save. Hence, the lack of a stable source of income to support us stands out as the biggest challenge.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Despite the challenges with my small business of selling foodstuffs having not grown well, I am so happy to have it as my source of income. As it may sound very little to save $0.5 in a day, this means a lot to me. Although this has not been consistent, the little income has been a great boost to my children especially when they are sent home. At the worst moment, I usually support them to return to their classes. This has maintained positive expectations from them and hence my every morning push to go to work. Therefore, I am so delighted to own this business which has been my reason to smile.
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Supporting my children's education and owning a piece of land top the list of my priorities. At the moment, I have faced many challenges including supporting my children because the income from my business is very little($0.5) as a daily profit. This can not cater to all our needs, something that has pushed us to live a life of misery. Imagine watching my children at home because I do not have money to take them back to school! This is the moment that pains me the most since their future is at stake. With this money, I intend to pay for 2 terms to enable them to have ample time in school. This will boost their performances and hence, better expectations. I estimate $550 to be used in offsetting the fee challenge. A huge portion of the second transfer ($300) will help me to purchase a piece of land just within our area to have a nice place where I can shift my home. The remaining amount will help me to boost my small business. Hence, this is generally what receiving this money means to me.
