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 ($510 USD)
access_time over 5 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 in my life is that I am happy and less worried about lacking water. The water tank has really helped to have clean water for use at home and for food. I am glad there are fewer cases of waterborne disease as previously was the case. I am also glad that I will soon be living in a more decent and spacious house that I built with the help of the transfers.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am glad that the money was distributed fairly regardless of the stature of the village mates and the staff was very professional and fair. This allowed even the ineligible understand why they did not receive the transfer and they were satisfied. In my opinion, I think everything was well planned and was successfully done.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I used part of my second transfer to buy some materials for the completion of my new house. I started building this house using the first transfers and I am glad that I am currently in the completion process. I am planning to use the rest of the transfer to buy a dairy cow for rearing. I had a plan of buying a dairy cow before I received the transfers but since I have so many bills to sort, it was a challenge saving up for it.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($543 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life ever since I started receiving transfers from Give Directly is that I a more optimistic in life. The fact that I was able to buy the water tank after a very long time gives me hope that it is possible to acquire anything in life. Even though I haven't collected water at the moment I am assured that I will be using fresh and clean water after every rainy season. I am even happier when I remember that I will never have to go far carrying heavy jerrycans in search or water.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was very excited to realize that Give Directly had finally sent the first transfers to my account. At first, I thought they were like any other NGOs who would give empty promises and still take our personal Information. At least the messaged removed all the doubts I had about this organization. I knew I would fulfill my goal of having a tank, It has been my wish to have this tank for a long time now because we usually experience short rain reasons which normally leads to lack clean for domestic use during the drought season.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I used part of the transfers to buy a water tank. Water is a big problem in this area and I thought if I collected the rainwater, I would save my self the hustle of going long distances in search of water. We only have one water point in this area but its water is usually not pure for human consumption. This water tank will help me avoid the numerous waterborne disease. Since we can't dig wells because the of the nature of soil I thought the water tank would be the best option. I also built a water harvesting system in my house to back up the water tank I just bought. Apart from that I also bought iron sheets in order to build a house for my children. I currently have a kitchen and living room. I thought by them having their own room will enable them to study without destruction. I used the rest of the amount to pay their school fees and a few household items
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have a plan of buying a water tank which can hold 2,000 litres.This will help me harvest water during the rainy season.It is a challenge getting clean water during the dry season.I will also buy a dairy cow to add to the one I have.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I work around my farm for the better part of the day.At a season like this,I spend time weeding maize in my farm.I also take time to graze cattle.After having lunch I relax or visit friends in my neighbour hood and this is the time I enjoy most.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Having a stable source of income has been the biggest hardship in my life.Getting money to cater for the basic needs and education for my children has not been easy.After dropping out of school at primary level I had to start looking for money as a casual labourer.When my children were young I had to work away from my family as a casual labourer in a tea estate.I later came back home with the little savings and started cattle business which collapsed due to limited funds.I then sort for employment as a cook in a nearby school where I worked for 12 years.I received little salary or sometimes none since they deducted to cater for school fees for my children in that school.At least my children were able to go through secondary school despite getting little or no salary at all.